Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, born on December 2, 1999, quickly became a standout in long-distance running. Sadly, his life was cut short when he passed away on February 11, 2024, in a car accident. Despite his brief career, Kelvin left a lasting impact on the marathon world.
He was phenomenal, running three of the fastest marathons ever by 2024. He was not just fast but the best, ranked number one among male marathon runners worldwide.
Kelvin Kiptum competed in three marathons and won them all, including two major World Marathon Majors between December 2022 and October 2023. He finished in less than 2 hours and 2 minutes each time, setting astonishing course records.
Kelvin’s Debut was Nothing Short of Historic
At the Valencia Marathon in 2022, he finished so quickly that he became one of only three men ever to break the two-hour and two-minute mark. His time then was the fourth fastest ever recorded.
Just a few months later, at the London Marathon in 2023, he came close to the world record, missing it by just 16 seconds with a time of 2:01:25. But he didn’t stop there.
At the Chicago Marathon in October 2023, he broke the world record by 34 seconds, setting a new benchmark of 2:00:35. This incredible record was officially recognized by World Athletics right before his untimely death, sealing his place in history.
Kelvin Kiptum Early Life
Kelvin Kiptum was born on December 2, 1999, in Chepsamo village, Chepkorio, located in the high-altitude region of Elgeyo-Marakwet County in Kenya’s Rift Valley. This area is renowned for its elevation of about 2,600 meters, ideal for distance running training.
Kelvin was the only child of Samson Cheruiyot and Mary Kangongo.Â
During his childhood, Kelvin helped by herding his family’s cattle and often joined other barefoot runners along the forest trails, sparking his interest in running.
Kelvin Kiptum started formal training in 2013 when he was around 13.Â
Kelvin Kiptum Education
Kiptum completed his early education at St. Patrick’s High School in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya.
Kelvin Kiptum Ethnicity
Kelvin Kiptum was of Kalenjin ethnicity, a group known for dominance in middle and long-distance running and native to the Rift Valley province in Kenya.
Kelvin Kiptum Tribe
Kelvin Kiptum belonged to the Nandi tribe, part of the larger Kalenjin ethnic group known for its exceptional long-distance running abilities.
Like many other Kalenjin sub-tribes, the Nandi are from the high-altitude areas of Kenya’s Rift Valley, which is considered an ideal training ground for distance runners.
Kelvin Kiptum Marriage, Wife, and Kids
Kelvin Kiptum married Asenath Cheruto Rotich in 2017, with whom he had two children.
Kelvin Kiptum Height and Weight
Kelvin Kiptum was 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) and weighed 65 kilograms (143 pounds).
Kelvin Kiptum World Record
Kelvin Kiptum set a 2 hours 35 seconds world record on October 8, 2023, at the Chicago marathon and broke the world record by 34 seconds set by Eliud Kipchoge of 2:01:09 in the 2022 Berlin Marathon. Kelvin became the first runner to finish a marathon in less than two hours and one minute.
Kelvin Kiptum Average Speed for the World Record
Kelvin Kiptum’s average speed when he set the world record in the 2023 Chicago marathon was approximately 20.995 km/h. This speed corresponds to a pace of 2:51 minutes per kilometer over the entire marathon distance.
Kelvin Kiptum Splits
Kelvin Kiptum achieved a remarkable 5km split of 13:51, leading him to the 35km checkpoint in 1:40:22, maintaining a pace under 2:01 hours. He then continued his swift progress, reaching the 40km mark in 1:54:23 after completing the preceding 10km segment in just 27:52.
Kelvin Kiptum Coach
Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan 3000-meter steeplechase record holder, coached Kelvin Kiptum. Their coaching relationship began intensively around 2013 when Kiptum was about 13 years old, and it continued until their untimely deaths in a road accident in February 2024.
Kelvin Kiptum Diet
Kelvin Kiptum’s diet included ugali, rice, and indigenous vegetables, essential for his marathon success. These foods provided the balanced nutrition necessary for the endurance and energy required in long-distance running.
Kelvin Kiptum Training
Kelvin Kiptum’s disciplined training regimen included daily morning runs of 25-28 kilometers, track or fartlek sessions twice a week, and intense long runs ranging from 30-40 kilometers at a near-marathon pace every Thursday and Sunday. This rigorous schedule was fundamental in maintaining his peak physical condition for marathon racing.
Kelvin Kiptum Net Worth
Kelvin Kiptum’s net worth at the time of his passing on February 11, 2024, was $5 million (Ksh 615,000,000). The total prize money he earned for winning the 2023 Chicago Marathon and setting a new world record was $150,000 (Ksh 21,627,061).
Kelvin Kiptum Quote
“My secret is training. Not any other thing.”
Kelvin Kiptum Accident and Cause of Death
Kelvin Kiptum tragically died on February 11, 2024, in a road accident near Kaptagat, Kenya, at 11:00 PM, along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana. The accident occurred when Kiptum lost control of his vehicle, veered off the road, entered a ditch, and collided with a tree, according to local police reports.
Kelvin Kiptum Funeral and Burial Place
Kelvin Kiptum was laid to rest at his farm in Naiberi, approximately 20 km from Eldoret, on February 23. The funeral in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, saw thousands of mourners paying tribute to the men’s marathon world record holder.
