- Kelvin Kiptum’s manager Marc Corsjtens is a Belgian international running Golazo Management
- As the head of Golazo Management, he assured Kiptum’s loved ones that they will get Kiptum’s unpaid dues
- Additionally, Corstjens disclosed plans to establish a foundation in memory of the athlete
Kelvin Kiptum’s manager Marc Corsjtens, a Belgian International who heads Golazo Management has promised to assist the family of the late Chicago Marathon champion.
Corstjens conveyed his commitment during a visit to Kiptum’s family in Chepsamo, Elgeyo/Marakwet County.
As the head of Golazo Management, he assured Kiptum’s loved ones that they will get Kiptum’s unpaid dues.
“About outstanding payments, don’t worry. Everything is there. It is noted down. And we will share it with the family,” he assured
What Will Kelvin Kiptum’s Manager Marc Corsjtens Offer Family?
Additionally, Corstjens disclosed plans to establish a foundation in memory of the athlete. The Foundation will support youth education from elementary to university level in honoring Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
“It is the duty and the respect that we have for the athlete and his coach. These are terrible circumstances and we can’t let them down.
Kelvin Kiptum’s family. Photo/People Daily
“We are thinking about establishing a foundation to support young children through basic education all the way to university in honour of departed Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana,” he noted.
In addition to the deceased Kiptum, Corstjens’ Golazo Management manages several Kenyan runners. They include Reynold Cheruiyot, the world record holder for the U20 1500m, Edinah Jebitok, Mary Moraa, Collins Kipruto, and Cornelius Tuwei.
The Belgian sports manager is also in charge of Winfred Yavi, the current 3000m steeplechase champion who is now a Bahrain national.
What Happened to Kiptum?
Kiptum, 24, together with his coach Hakizimana perished in a road accident at Kaptagat along Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine highway on February 11.
Kiptum became a global athletics icon following his triumph in Illinois during the 2023 Chicago Marathon, around the world. He set a new world record with a time of 2:00.35.
He made his international athletics debut in Valencia in 2022 with the quickest marathon. In April 2023, he set a new record at the London Marathon, clocking in at 2:01:25. However, the 24-year-old solidified his status as the next marathoner to pay attention to in Chicago.
Before departing for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 of this year to join Kenya’s Olympic squad in Paris for 2024, Kiptum was preparing for the start of his new season.
Kiptum’s world record for the marathon was confirmed by the international track organization Global Athletics a fortnight ago.
He has been mourned by the whole world; from politicians to fellow athletes. Kenyan marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge said it was sad losing such a talented athlete.
Kelvin Kiptum. Photo/ France 24.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time,” he posted on X.
Following Kiptum’s tragic accident, several Kenyans on social media went bonkers with theories about what may have caused it. Some made references to dark magic by his opponents.
However, Kipchoge knew Kiptum well, and he even predicted that he would break the world record. It is unfortunate that there is an attempt to create a rift between him and Kiptum’s allies.
This claim was founded only on rumors that Kipchoge did not publicly congratulate Kiptum when the latter broke his world record by 34 seconds in Chicago last year.
President William Ruto ordered the construction of a three-bedroom house on a four-acre farm Kiptum had purchased.
Construction began in a few days ago with the intention of completing it within seven days. The house is being built using cold-formed steel, a faster and more sustainable construction method.
Kiptum has been survived by a wife, Asenath Rotich and two children.
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