Highlights: Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion. The marathon world record holder, in 2 hours and 35 seconds, was killed last week in a car accident at the age of 24. The ceremony will be held in Chepkorio, not far from his village, in the Rift Valley, the cradle of Kenyan racing. On the square in front of the Kenyatta International Conference Center, hundreds of people came to pay their respects to the runner.

Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world record holder who died in a car accident twelve days ago, is buried on February 23, 2024 during a national funeral in the Rift Valley (west).…

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Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion

Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world record holder who died in a car accident twelve days ago, is buried on February 23, 2024 during a national funeral in the Rift Valley (west).

The day before, in Nairobi, a vigil was organized in his honor.

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A woman reacts after seeing the body of Kenya's marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident, in Chepkorio village, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya February 22, 2024. REUTERS - STRINGER

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Nairobi,

Gaëlle Laleix

Kenya is burying its champion, Kelvin Kiptum, on February 23, 2024.

The marathon world record holder, in 2 hours and 35 seconds, was killed last week in a car accident at the age of 24.

The ceremony will be held in Chepkorio, not far from his village, in the Rift Valley, the cradle of Kenyan racing.

The day before, February 22 in Nairobi, a vigil was organized in his honor.

On the square in front of the Kenyatta International Conference Center, hundreds of people came to pay their respects.

“

We lost a treasure, a jewel
”

Veronica wears a Kenyan flag on her shoulders, another covers her head: “

I am a Kenyan patriot.
When I heard that our Kelvin, our gold medalist, had died, I came here to Nairobi to mourn with the others.
Because I can't afford to go to his village, but I love this guy.

Senator Samson Cherargei is from Kelvin Kiptum's Nandi County.

A country that has seen the birth of many champions: “

The legacy of our brother Kelvin Kiptum is very important.
We are very proud that at 24 years old, he has pushed the boundaries of athletic prowess.
Kenya is known around the world for its runners.
As a country, we have lost a treasure, a jewel.

Read alsoAthletics: Kelvin Kiptum, eternal comet of the marathon

Boit Kiprob comes from the same village as Kelvin Kiptum.

A professional runner too, over 10 km and half-marathon distances: “

I am here to mourn my brother, my mentor.
Kelvin was a good man.
He had an easy character, spoke little and worked hard.
We hope his soul rests in peace and that more runners will be born.

This Friday, Kelvin Kiptum will be entitled to a state funeral, in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto.

People carrying the coffin of marathon world record holder, Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident, in Chepkorio village, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya February 22, 2024. REUTERS - STRINGER

Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion

Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion

“

We lost a treasure, a jewel
”

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Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion

Death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum: an emotional vigil in honor of the champion

“ We lost a treasure, a jewel ”

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Trends 24h

Latest

“

We lost a treasure, a jewel
”