Remembering world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum two years after untimely demise

Two years ago, on the night of Sunday, 11 February 2024, the athletics world was plunged into mourning following the surprise demise of marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum, a rising star whose promise seemed limitless.

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The 24-year-old died in a tragic road accident along the Eldoret–Ravine highway after reportedly losing control of his vehicle, veering off the road for about 60 meters, and colliding with a tree. The crash also claimed the life of his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor later confirmed that Kiptum succumbed to severe head trauma.

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The report detailed extensive skull fractures, particularly at the base of the skull, injuries severe enough to cause the spinal cord to intrude into the cranial cavity.

Fractures on both sides of his ribs and lung contusions, likely caused by the impact, were also identified, though the head injuries were cited as the primary cause of death.

At just 23, Kiptum had already rewritten marathon history.

In October 2023, he became the first man to officially run a marathon in under two hours and one minute, clocking 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon.

The performance shattered Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record of 2:01:09 by 34 seconds and confirmed his arrival as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Earlier that year, he had set a course record of 2:01:25 at the London Marathon.

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The athletics world was still celebrating his meteoric rise when tragedy struck, just six days after World Athletics ratified his record on February 6, 2024. Fans had eagerly anticipated a historic duel between Kiptum and Kipchoge at the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon, a contest that never came to pass.

Despite his short career, Kiptum’s impact continues to resonate globally.

The Chicago Marathon, where he made history, has staged tributes in his honour, including moments of silence and a special exhibition showcasing his achievements.

In London, organisers honoured him during the 2024 race with a video tribute and a round of applause from runners and spectators before the men’s race began.

Beyond the medals and records, Kiptum was remembered as a son, husband, and father. These roles have remained at the centre of an ongoing and complex family struggle since his passing.

His father, Mzee Samson Cheruiyot, has publicly spoken about the hardships the family now faces, alleging that promises of support have gone unfulfilled and that disputes over property and financial benefits remain unresolved.

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“I have gone through hell, and I am not afraid to speak the truth. There is someone from Keiyo who has been harassing us. This person is in government and wields a lot of power…,” he said in a widely circulated video.

Cheruiyot also lamented their living conditions and lack of access to resources tied to his son’s legacy.

“People think we are eating money, but look at this house. When it rains, we are forced to huddle in one corner because the roof is leaking. Is this how the father of a world champion is supposed to live?” he posed.

He further appealed for intervention and clarity over unresolved matters, including the release of the athlete’s vehicle and postmortem documentation.

“I am politely appealing to the President. Since my son’s death, we have never received his postmortem results… Asenath is the one who knows everything,” he stated emotionally.

Kiptum is survived by his widow, Asenette Kiptum, and their two young children, Cherop, 9, and Kigen, 6.