Kelvin Kiptum: Eldoret Comes to Standstill As Residents Light Candles in Honour of Marathoner

 

- Kenyans are still coming to terms with the tragic death of World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum arrives at the finish line to win the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois, in a world record time. The 24-year-old athlete died alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in an accident on Sunday, February 11, along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road in Kaptagat. Police Commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old athlete who was driving and his coach died on impact. "He lost control, veered off the road, entered into a ditch 60 meters away and hit a big tree," Mulinge said. Days after his demise, details have continued to emerge about the accident that had one survivor, Sharon Chepkirui. She shed light on what transpired, revealing that they were returning from watching a football match in Eldoret town. Eldoret honours Kelvin Kiptum The sporting world has been in shock following the accident, with various leaders sharing their messages of condolence. In one touching tribute to the late world marathon record holder, Jordan Guenther travelled to Chicago and completed a run at 2:00:35, the exact time Kiptum had run to set the world record in October 2023. Ahead of Kiptum's funeral, residents of Eldoret stepped out in numbers to honour the legendary athlete on their own. They rendered the town's CBD impassable as boda boda riders led a procession through the town while honking. After a distance, the procession came to a standstill as they lit candles and sang traditional songs while squatting. 

by  Didacus Malowa