Kenyan · Kapsabet, Kenya · Born 2 December 1999Kenyan marathon runner who set the world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, becoming the first person to break 2:01 in an official race
Kelvin Kiptum was a Kenyan marathon runner who set the world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon — the first sub-2:01 marathon by any athlete and one of the most extraordinary performances in distance running history. His acceleration in the final miles of his record-breaking run, delivered in conditions not ideal for records, was breathtaking. Tragically, he died in a road traffic accident in Kenya in early 2024, leaving the running world in mourning.
Famous For
Marathon world record holder
Playing Style
How They Played
Aggressive front-running marathon style
Legacy
Lasting Impact
Promising marathon talent whose career was cut short
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Valencia Marathon Winner 2022
- London Marathon Winner 2023
- Chicago Marathon Winner 2023
- Marathon World Record Holder
Career Journey
Timeline
2022
📌 Professional marathon debut at Valencia Marathon
2022
🎯 Won debut marathon Valencia in 2:01:53
2023
🎯 Won London Marathon in 2:01:25
2023
🎯 Won Chicago Marathon in 2:00:35
2023
🏆 Set marathon world record 2:00:35 in Chicago
2024
🎯 Tragically died in car accident aged 24
Kenyan Athletes