Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum fascinated with his technique and speed. On Sunday evening, his rapid rise was halted by his sudden death, and the 24-year-old, in addition to great admiration, also left many questions unanswered. One in particular seems oppressive.
Eldoret/Vienna. They exist, these exceptions for which you get up early, push your way through crowds of people to the barrier to see them up close. Whether it’s a rock star, a professional cyclist, Maradona or a marathon runner: anyone who masters extraordinary things, neither knows nor is afraid of limits, is running inexorably towards widespread admiration. Like the Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who not only puzzled the sports world with his sprints over 42.195 kilometers, but also brought them closer to the vision that the fall of the two-hour sound barrier in the supreme discipline is actually closer than notorious skeptics wanted to believe.
The father of two only ran three major marathon races. But they were enough to secure his entry into the record books. On December 4th, 2022, as a 23-year-old and debut winner, he surprised in Valencia. The 1.80 meter tall athlete, who doesn’t seem so gaunt for an African, ran the fourth fastest time in 2:01.53 hours, almost straight away Story. On April 23, 2023, he won in London with a course record (2:01.25), and Kiptum completed the second half in an incredible 59:45 minutes. Thanks to running style, tactics (30 km in a group, then solo), longer strides and calm breathing, nutrition, the extremely cushioning shoe provided by the manufacturer, doping: a special number of explanations were sought.
On October 8, 2023, he reached his goal: Kiptum ran to the fabulous world record in Chicago in 2:00.35 hours. Only 36 seconds were left to reach the sound barrier.
World record, 2:00.35 hours. Only 36 seconds left until the sound barrier. Imago / Patrick Gorski
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