Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old marathon runner from Kenya, recently set an awe-inspiring world record at the Chicago marathon. But his journey to success was far from easy. Kiptum started his career in marathon running with borrowed shoes because he couldn’t afford a pair of his own. However, his perseverance and talent have propelled him to global recognition.
Kiptum’s rise to fame began with his victory at the London Marathon. Since then, he has achieved three marathon wins out of three, including his record-breaking performance at the Chicago marathon. His accomplishments have earned him the title of Men’s World Athlete of the Year nominee proposed by World Athletics.
Despite his impressive achievements, Kiptum’s journey was filled with challenges and setbacks. Before his trip to Chicago, he suffered from a groin injury and malaria, which made him doubt his ability to compete. However, his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, encouraged him to recover and continue training.
The relationship between Kiptum and Hakizimana started in 2018, but they first met when Kiptum was a young boy. Hakizimana remembers a time when Kiptum, barefooted and herding livestock, would kick at his heels during training. Hakizimana played an instrumental role in convincing Kiptum to pursue marathon running and ultimately helped him achieve his world record.
Kiptum’s success is significant because he represents a new wave of Kenyan athletes who started their careers in road-running rather than on the track. He explains that his choice was simply driven by a lack of resources to travel to track sessions. This decision has paid off, as Kiptum’s triumphs in Valencia, London, and Chicago have catapulted him to global recognition.
While Kenya is known for producing world-class marathon runners like Eliud Kipchoge, Kiptum possesses a unique quality that sets him apart. According to athletics commentator Martin Keino, Kiptum’s fearlessness and strategic racing style have been instrumental in his rise to the top. Kiptum holds back in the first half of the race and then attacks the second half, a strategy that is rarely seen in marathon running.
Kiptum’s journey was not only marked by athletic challenges but also by obstacles from those closest to him. Initially, his father insisted that he pursue a college education instead of a career in athletics. However, Kiptum’s passion and determination eventually convinced his father to support his dream.
As Kiptum’s career progresses, there is a concern that his intense training and blistering speed may lead to injuries. His coach has advised him to slow down, but Kiptum remains committed to pushing his limits. Inspired by Kipchoge, Kiptum aspires to become the first man to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon.
The Olympic Games in Paris present a potential opportunity for Kiptum to compete against his role model. He hopes to represent Kenya and aims to win a medal in his first Olympic appearance. As Keino states, Kiptum’s success signifies the future of marathon racing in Kenya as Kipchoge’s career winds down.
Kelvin Kiptum’s journey from borrowed shoes to world records serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and showcases the incredible determination and talent that can transcend challenging circumstances. His story reminds us that with perseverance and belief in oneself, extraordinary achievements are within reach.
