Kelvin Kiptum: How Chicago Marathon Will Honour World Record Holder

• Kelvin Kiptum set a new stunning world record in the men's marathon on October 8, 2023, in Chicago
• Kiptum will be honoured by the race organisers during the 2024 edition set to take place this Sunday
• One year after that run, Briefly News relives just how much of a talent Kiptum was before his untimely death

As he came up around the Columbus Drive on October 8, 2023, Kelvin Kiptum must have known that he was about to do something special.

And something special he did. It has been exactly one year since Kiptum rewrote the history books with that record-breaking run in the streets of Chicago.

2:00:35 was the time on the clock when he crossed the finish line before exuberantly, and rightly so, jumping to the outstretched arms of his coach. No one had ever run a marathon below 2:01:00 before Kiptum.

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On this day: Kelvin Kiptum sets new world record

One year later, Kiptum's achievements are still mentioned in almost every sports circle, but it is the heart-wrenching memory that he is no longer with us that is too much to bear.

It is gut-wrenching that he only had less than four months to revel in his new title as the fastest marathoner in history. It is even more painful how Kiptum untimely lost his life in a grisly road accident near Kaptagat just when his star had started to shine.

At 24 years old, Kiptum was nowhere near his prime yet, but he had already taken his rightful place among the greats with only three runs. The first run in Valencia was to make him the fastest debutant ever. The second one in London made him the most promising marathoner in the world and forced people to take cognisance.

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And the third one? The third one, he burnt the house down, marked his territory and appointed himself as the new sheriff of marathons.

Chicago Marathon to honour Kelvin Kiptum

Ahead of this year's Chicago marathon, the organisers have planned a raft of ideas to honour the departed champion.

There will be a moment of silence before the start of the race, plus brief exhibit celebrating his career.

"He's still prevalent in everyone's thoughts. He's with us, and it's our plan to celebrate his life," Race Director Carey Pinkowski told Reuters.

The race will take place this Sunday.

Where was Cheptegei attacked?

Briefly News had earlier reported that Cheptegei, who recently competed in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns over 80% of her body.

The attack was allegedly carried out by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a heated argument. Ndiema reportedly ambushed Cheptegei as she was coming back home from church, poured petrol on her, and set her ablaze.

Source: TUKO.co.ke