Kiptum's funeral took place on February 24.

Kenya The funeral of reigning world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum will be held with national hero honours on February 24.

Kiptum will be buried in the family's home in Chepsamo near Eldoret, the running mecca of western Kenya.

"We set the funeral for February 24 after consulting with Kiptum's family and the government ," Athletics Kenya executive committee member Barnabas Korir told AFP on February 14 after visiting the family of the ill-fated runner.

Mr Korir said several high-ranking officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto and World Athletics President Seb Coe, were expected to attend the funeral.

Kelvin Kiptum runs to celebrate his victory at the 2023 Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023. Photo: AFP

Also on February 14, the Kenyan government announced that it would support Kiptum's family in organizing a national hero's funeral to honor the current world marathon record holder. "Kiptum was a sports star who broke many records and inspired millions of people around the world. He remains the only person in history to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute," the announcement said.

Atheltics Kenya announced the postponement of the African Games qualifying round scheduled for February 16-17 to prioritize the funeral and honor of Kiptum.

Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in the accident at around 11pm Nairobi time in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11. According to the local police, Kiptum lost control of the car, veered off the road and fell into a ditch about 60 metres away before hitting a large tree.

Before Kiptum, many other top Kenyan athletes had also been involved in traffic accidents and died. Therefore, the country's lawmakers have called on the Government and the Ministry of Sports to step in to support and protect the country's sporting talents. They also called on road users to obey the law and practice safe road use to prevent tragedies like Kiptum's accident.

Hong Duy

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