Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum laid to rest

Thousands of mourners gathered in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, on Friday February 23 to bid farewell to Kelvin Kiptum, the men's marathon world record holder who died on February 11 in a road accident. The funeral took place at his farm in Naiberi, a place located about 20km from Eldoret. READ ALSO: Kiptum’s coach Hakizimana laid to rest Kiptum's family, friends, and fellow athletes were joined by Kenyan President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe who expressed regret that Kiptum never had the opportunity to showcase his full potential. READ ALSO: Kenyan Sports Minister in Kigali for coach Hakizimana’s burial The ceremony was the largest of several countrywide memorials and events dedicated to Kiptum. I can't learn to say goodbye... It's unreal that now I have to be with our kids without you coming home, said Kiptum's wife, Asenath Rotich. Kiptum is survived by two children, a seven-year-old son Caleb and a four-year-old daughter Precious. President Ruto also paid his respects to Kiptum. In Kelvin, we saw the future of athletics in Kenya, he said. He came from humble beginnings, but today the world knows his name because of his world record. He had more reasons to fail than to succeed, but he defied the odds. Meanwhile, Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan coach who died in the accident was laid to rest in Rwanda on Wednesday, February 21 at Rusororo cemetery.

Lifestyle

Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum laid to rest