- Kenyan long-distance runner Kelvin Kiptum is now the rave of the moment
- He posted a new World Record of 2:00:35 and it is a big feat for him
- Chicago Marathon is Kiptum’s third race since his debut in major marathon events
Kenyan long-distance runner Kelvin Kiptum is now the rave of the moment after his world-breaking victory at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
He posted a new World Record of 2:00:35 and it is a big feat for him to break a record set by fellow marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. What’s more surprising is that the Chicago Marathon is Kiptum’s third race since his debut in major marathon events. Yet, he shattered Kipchoge’s previous World Record of 2:01:09 at 2022 Berlin Marathon.
Kiptum is an interesting figure in the athletics arena now and his victory in Chicago gives Kenyans hope of winning more medals.
HOW FAST DID KELVIN KIPTUM RUN?
Kevin Kiptum completed the 2023 Chicago Marathon in 2:00:35, a new world record in the history of this marathon. This is 34 seconds less Kipchoge’s 2:01:09 which he made history with at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. This being his third marathon since he turned pro, he wasn’t expecting to break the world record.
In a post-race interview, Kiptum said he felt so happy winning this race. He added that he was sure he would end up happy because he was prepared but never did he imagine his happiness would be from breaking a world record.
“I knew I was coming for a course record, but fortunately [it was] a world record,” he said.
HOW OLD IS KELVIN KIPTUM?
He is 23 years old. Born on December 2, 1999 in the Rift Valley, Kiptum says he always had passion for athletics. Fast-forward to 2023, he holds the Marathon World Record (2:00:35). He is the first person in history to complete a marathon in under two hours in a race that qualified for the record. Further, he has a special place as an athlete who has ran the fastest in three out of six marathons in history.
Essentially, he has impressed in every marathon he participated in since his debut in athletics.
Kevin Kiptum celebrates after winning the Chicago Marathon. PHOTO/Citius Mag
WHO IS THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER IN MARATHON?
Kevin Kiptum is the new Marathon World Record Holder following his Chicago Marathon victory. In October 2018, while he was only 18, Kiptum achieved a remarkable feat by clinching victory at the Eldoret City Half Marathon clocking an impressive time of 1:02:01. This victory marked the beginning of a promising career in long-distance running.
In March 2019, he made his international debut at the Lisbon Half Marathon, where he displayed his burgeoning talent by securing a fifth-place finish. He set a new personal best with a remarkable time of 59:54. He continued to push the boundaries of his abilities, and in December 2020, he set another personal best in the half marathon event.
Kiptum earned more success in 2021 with his participation in two major half marathons. In Lens, France, he secured a remarkable victory with a time of 59:35, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. Kiptum followed it up in Valencia where despite finishing eighth, he posted an impressive time of 59:02. However, it was 2022 that Kiptum made history in the world of the half marathon.
In his subsequent race, which marked his debut at a World Marathon Major on April 23, 2023, Kiptum showcased his dominance at the prestigious London Marathon. While narrowly missing the world record by a mere 16 seconds, he established the second-fastest marathon time in history, crossing the finish line with an astonishing time of 2:01:25. This remarkable achievement left the running world in awe, solidifying his status as a marathon legend.
Kiptum wins London Marathon. PHOTO/World Athletics
Prior to this victory, Kipchoge had held the London Marathon’s course record with a time of 2:02:37. However, Kiptum shattered this record with his incredible winning time of 2:01:25, surpassing the course record by over a minute. Notably, Kiptum’s performance in London included a closing half marathon time of 59:45, further establishing his reputation as one of the sport’s elite athletes. This achievement also surpassed his own previous record for the fastest closing half, a feat he had previously accomplished in Valencia.
WHAT SHOES DID KELVIN KIPTUM WEAR?
Kiptum raced in the sporting a prototype pair of Nike Dev 163 shoes which are not for sale yet. This athletic footwear is specially designed for athletes in need a shoe that is both lightweight and supportive. The shoes feature a Flyknit upper that provides a comfortable and breathable fit. It also has a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot that provides cushioning and responsiveness.
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