Late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum inducted into the Hall of Fame

 

World marathon recorder holder Kelvin Kiptum has been inducted into the Talanta Hall of Fame.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba presided over the ceremony at Talanta Plaza, Nairobi.

Among those present was Kiptum's son, Caleb Kigen. 

“Together with Kiptum’s son Caleb Kigen, I led the unveiling ceremony to celebrate one of Kenya’s greatest marathon runners and the current world record holder,” Ababu said.

“This is special because it is the very first formal induction and Kelvin becomes the first of our legends to be formally inducted in this Hall of Fame and stands here as a permanent heritage to this incredible contribution.”

"This is a proud and sad moment as we celebrate the induction of a promising athlete who departed this world in his prime.

“The Talanta Hall of Fame is a prestigious platform celebrating excellence in the realm of creativity, sports and innovation."

Kiptum’s name will paint the Hall of Fame alongside other iconic legends in the sports and creative economy sector.

The Hall of Fame boasts of iconic sportsmen, sportswomen and legends in the creative scene including Joe Kadenge (football), Paul Tergat (athletics) and Ngugi wa Thiongo (author), among others.

It is a testament to Kenya’s recognition of athletes and talented youth as ambassadors and driving forces for the country's development.

“We celebrated Kiptum in life and we will continue to celebrate him in death,” wrote Ababu, who met Kiptum's family and that of his late coach Hakizamana.

Kiptum died on February 11 in a road accident at the age of 24. He was supposed to run in the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year in under two hours.

The World Marathon Record Holder and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a tragic road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.

Kiptum is said to have been the one driving the vehicle heading to Eldoret when the accident occurred.

He was laid to rest on Friday, February 23.

On October 8, 2023, Kiptum broke the marathon world record by 34 seconds at the Chicago Marathon. 

It is his achievement as a world record holder that saw him nominated for the 2023 Sportsman of the Year.

Initially, the 20th Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) Gala was to be held on February 23. 

It was moved to March 1 after Kiptum passed to allow the world to celebrate Kiptum’s life.

by KELVIN NGENO