Organizers of the Chicago Marathon revealed plans to honor Kelvin Kiptum prior to the start of Sunday’s race, according to statement released on social media on Tuesday.
Kiptum was a rising star in distance running when he shattered the marathon world record in Chicago last year in 2:00:35. The mark was ratified in early February and a week later Kiptum was tragically killed in a car crash in Kenya. His coach Gervais Hakizimana was also killed in the accident.
Viewed as part of the next crop of generational elite marathoners, Kiptum’s death sent shockwaves through running. He was only 24 at the time of his death and pulled off stunning win in his marathon debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon in 2:01:53. The following year, he won the London in 2:01:25 and was poised to be a successor to Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele.
“The 2 hours and 35 seconds that Kelvin Kiptum spent on Chicago’s streets last October will be moments forever remembered in the history of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” read a statement on the Chicago Marathon’s social media post. “This year, as we acknowledge the loss and void at the start line, we want to remember his legacy. Kiptum pushed the sport of marathoning beyond what anyone thought was possible, and what he would have done next is what leaves us all with wonder and often sadness. Instead, we challenge you all to set your own record as you run in his footsteps, on a World Record course.”
The post also reminded participants that memorial stickers would be available at the race expo and should be placed on bibs.
There will also be a moment of silence before the first runners cross the start line.
