Kiptum's funeral took place on February 24.

In Kenya, the funeral of current world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum will be held with honors for a national hero on February 24th.

Kiptum will be buried on the family's private estate in Chepsamo near Eldoret, a running mecca in western Kenya.

"We set the funeral for February 24 after consulting with Kiptum's family and the Government ," Barnabas Korir, a member of the Executive Board of Athletics Kenya, told AFP on February 14 after visiting the family of the deceased runner.

Korir said that many high-ranking officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto and World Athletics President Seb Coe, are expected to attend the funeral.

Kelvin Kiptum celebrates his victory at the 2023 Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023. Photo: AFP

Also on February 14th, the Kenyan government announced it would support Kiptum's family in holding a funeral ceremony befitting a national hero, in honor of the current world marathon record holder. "Kiptum was a sports star with numerous record-breaking achievements, inspiring millions around the world. He remains the only person in history to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute," the announcement stated.

Athletics Kenya has announced the postponement of the qualifying rounds for the African Games, scheduled for February 16-17, to prioritize the funeral and honoring of Kiptum.

Kiptum and coach Gervais Hakizimana died in an accident at approximately 11 p.m. Nairobi time in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11. According to local police, Kiptum lost control of his vehicle, veered off the road, and plunged into a ditch about 60 meters away before crashing into a large tree.

Prior to Kiptum, many other top Kenyan track and field athletes had also been involved in and died in traffic accidents. Therefore, lawmakers in the country have called on the government and the Ministry of Sports to support and protect the nation's sporting talents. They also urged road users to obey the law and practice safe road use to prevent tragedies similar to Kiptum's accident.

Hong Duy

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