As thousands of runners prepare to cross the finish line at this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the absence of one man will be deeply felt: Kelvin Kiptum, who shattered the marathon world record on these very streets in 2023, just months before his untimely death.
Kiptum’s extraordinary achievement came last October, when he became the first runner to complete the Chicago Marathon in under two hours and one minute—a historic time that catapulted him to global fame. But his meteoric rise was tragically cut short when he and his coach were killed in a car accident in Kenya earlier this year.
“The 2 hours and 35 seconds that Kelvin Kiptum spent on Chicago’s streets last October will forever be a part of marathon history,” race organizers said in a tribute video shared on social media. “As we acknowledge the void left at this year’s start line, we celebrate his enduring legacy. Kiptum redefined what we thought was possible in marathoning, and the question of what he might have achieved next leaves us all with a mix of wonder and sorrow. In his memory, we encourage every runner to set their own personal record as they follow his footsteps on this world record course.”
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To honor Kiptum’s memory, marathon organizers will distribute commemorative stickers for runners to affix to their bibs. The stickers will be available at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo leading up to race day. A moment of silence will also be held at the start line on October 13 to pay tribute to the late champion.
“This year, we run for him,” the marathon posted in the moving video tribute.
Kiptum, a rising star in long-distance running and a top contender for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics, died in a single-vehicle crash in February. Police reports indicate that Kiptum was driving when his car veered off the road, crashed into a ditch, and struck a tree, killing both him and his coach.
At just 24, Kiptum was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents to emerge in the sport in years. His 2023 Chicago Marathon record—set in only his third appearance at an elite-level marathon—was officially ratified by World Athletics just a week before his death. His potential seemed limitless, and his loss sent shockwaves through the global running community.
Kiptum burst onto the marathon scene in 2022 with the fastest-ever debut at the Valencia Marathon. His incredible form continued in 2023, when he claimed victories at both the London and Chicago marathons, setting a new course record in London before making history in Chicago as the fastest marathoner in the world.
The young runner’s tragic death is the latest in a series of losses that have devastated Kenya’s athletic community. Many of the country’s top runners have lost their lives in car accidents, other mishaps, or instances of domestic violence. Kiptum’s passing has left an irreplaceable void, not only in the sport but also in the hearts of his countrymen, who mourn the loss of a talent whose potential was just beginning to be realized.
As the 2024 Chicago Marathon approaches, runners and spectators alike will remember Kelvin Kiptum’s awe-inspiring performance and the legacy he left behind. This year, the race will serve not just as a competition, but as a tribute to a young man whose spirit will forever be a part of the marathon’s history.
