Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot was the world record holder in the men’s marathon, clocking a historic time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. As the first person to run a sub-2:01 marathon in an official race, Kiptum revolutionized long-distance running by transitioning directly to the marathon distance without a professional background in track or cross-country. His meteoric rise saw him win all three of the major marathons he entered—Valencia, London, and Chicago—between 2022 and 2023. Tragically, Kiptum’s career was cut short when he passed away in a car accident in February 2024 at the age of 24.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Kiptum’s unique training philosophy, his record-breaking performances, the specific gear he used to achieve elite speeds, and his lasting legacy on the world of athletics. We explore his humble beginnings in Chepkorio, Kenya, and how he challenged the limits of human endurance.
Early Life in Chepkorio
Kelvin Kiptum was born on December 2, 1999, in the village of Chepkorio, located in the high-altitude region of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kenya. Unlike many of his peers who pursued track careers, Kiptum grew up herding his family’s cattle while watching elite runners train on the nearby trails.
By the age of 13, Kiptum began following local marathoners on their long runs, often running barefoot or in borrowed shoes. He entered his first competitive half-marathon in Eldoret at age 18, finishing first and signaling the arrival of a raw, untapped talent.
Unique Training Philosophy
Kiptum was famous for his “high-volume” approach, reportedly running between 250 and 300 kilometers (155 to 186 miles) per week. This workload significantly exceeded the standard 180 to 200 kilometers typically logged by elite marathoners like Eliud Kipchoge.
His training was characterized by a lack of traditional track intervals, focusing instead on grueling “fartlek” sessions and long, fast-paced road runs. He prioritized aerobic capacity and mental toughness, often training alone or with a small, dedicated group in the Rift Valley.
Breakthrough in Valencia 2022
Kiptum made the fastest marathon debut in history at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, finishing in a staggering 2:01:53. This performance immediately placed him as the third-fastest man in history behind Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele.
The race was notable for Kiptum’s incredible “negative split,” where he ran the second half of the race significantly faster than the first. His 60:15 second half remains one of the most dominant displays of late-race speed ever recorded in a debut.
Dominance at London 2023
In April 2023, Kiptum conquered the London Marathon with a course record time of 2:01:25, falling just 16 seconds short of the world record. He broke the field at the 30km mark, unleashing a 5km split of 13:49 that left seasoned champions unable to respond.
This victory solidified his status as the heir apparent to the marathon throne, proving that his Valencia performance was not a fluke. The London crowd witnessed a tactical masterclass that redefined how fast a human could run the final stages of 26.2 miles.
The Chicago World Record
On October 8, 2023, Kelvin Kiptum shattered the world record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:00:35. He took 34 seconds off Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record, maintaining an average pace of 4:36 per mile throughout the race.
Kiptum’s performance was unique because he accelerated in the second half, running the final 2.195 kilometers at a pace that suggested a sub-two-hour marathon was imminent. This feat was officially ratified by World Athletics, cementing his place in the history books.
Footwear and Technology
Kiptum famously wore the Nike Alphafly 3 prototype during his world-record run in Chicago. These “super shoes” feature ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber Flyplate designed to maximize energy return and reduce muscle fatigue.
The integration of advanced footwear played a role in his efficiency, allowing him to maintain high cadences even in the closing stages of the race. His partnership with Nike was central to the development and testing of cutting-edge marathon technology.
Diet and Nutrition
Kiptum followed a traditional Kenyan “high-carb” diet, centered around staples like ugali (maize flour porridge), green leafy vegetables (managu), and milk. He avoided processed foods, focusing on simple nutrients to fuel his massive weekly mileage.
During races, he utilized a sophisticated hydration strategy involving hydrogel technology to deliver high concentrations of carbohydrates without gastrointestinal distress. This allowed him to maintain blood glucose levels during his trademark late-race surges.
Coaching and Mentorship
Kiptum was coached by Gervais Hakizimana, a former Rwandan runner who first noticed Kiptum’s potential when the boy was still herding goats. Hakizimana transitioned from a mentor to a full-time coach as Kiptum moved into the professional ranks.
The bond between the two was profound, with Hakizimana often expressing concern over Kiptum’s extreme training volumes. Tragically, both Kiptum and Hakizimana lost their lives in the same vehicle accident in February 2024.
Comparisons to Eliud Kipchoge
Kiptum’s rise sparked a global debate comparing his raw power and volume-heavy training to Eliud Kipchoge’s methodical, “monastic” approach. While Kipchoge focused on the 1:59 challenge in controlled settings, Kiptum proved he could chase those limits in open competition.
Statistically, Kiptum’s career trajectory was steeper than any runner before him. In just three races, he recorded three of the seven fastest times in history, a level of consistency never before seen in the sport.
Impact on Kenyan Athletics
Kiptum’s success inspired a new generation of Kenyan youth to skip the track and move directly to road racing. His “marathon-first” career path challenged the long-held belief that a runner must first master the 5,000m and 10,000m distances.
His hometown of Chepkorio has seen an influx of interest and investment in athletics infrastructure following his rise. He became a symbol of hope and a testament to the fact that world-class talent can emerge from the most modest backgrounds.
The Quest for Sub-Two
Before his passing, Kiptum had officially announced his intention to break the two-hour barrier at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon. Given his 2:00:35 performance in Chicago, experts believed he was the most likely candidate to achieve the “Sub-2” feat in a legal race.
The running world viewed Rotterdam as the potential site for the most significant barrier-breaking event in sports history. His absence has left a “what-if” that will linger in the marathon community for decades.
Practical Information for Runners
If you are inspired by Kiptum to improve your own marathon performance, consistency and gradual progression are key. While you should not attempt his 300km weekly volume, his focus on “negative splitting” is a valuable lesson for all levels.
- Training Peaks: Focus on building a strong aerobic base before adding speed.
- Gear: Look for carbon-plated shoes like the Nike Vaporfly or Alphafly for race day.
- Nutrition: Experiment with high-carb intake during long runs to train your gut.
- Recovery: Kiptum prioritized sleep and simple living to recover from his intense sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kelvin Kiptum’s world record time?
Kiptum set the world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, becoming the first person to run under 2:01 in an official race.
How did Kelvin Kiptum die?
He died in a tragic car accident on the night of February 11, 2024, on a road between Eldoret and Kaptagat in Kenya.
Who was Kelvin Kiptum’s coach?
He was coached by Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan athlete who had known Kiptum since his childhood in Chepkorio.
What shoes did Kelvin Kiptum wear for the world record?
He wore the Nike Alphafly 3, which was a prototype at the time of his record-breaking run in Chicago.
How many marathons did Kelvin Kiptum win?
Kiptum won all three of the professional marathons he entered: Valencia (2022), London (2023), and Chicago (2023).
Was Kelvin Kiptum the first to run a sub-2 hour marathon?
No, Eliud Kipchoge ran 1:59:40 in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, but it was not a world record because it used rotating pacers and was not an open race. Kiptum held the official record.
How much did Kelvin Kiptum train?
Kiptum was known for an extreme training load, often reaching up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) per week.
Where was Kelvin Kiptum from?
He was from Chepkorio, a village in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, located in the high-altitude Rift Valley.
Did Kelvin Kiptum compete in the Olympics?
Tragically, Kiptum passed away just months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was the favorite to win the gold medal.
Final Thoughts
The story of Kelvin Kiptum is one of unprecedented brilliance and a standard of excellence that may not be equaled for decades. In just 10 short months of professional marathon running, Kiptum didn’t just break records; he fundamentally altered the logic of human endurance. By bypassing the traditional track-to-road pipeline and moving straight to the 26.2-mile distance, he proved that the marathon is not just a race of attrition, but one of sustained, high-intensity speed.
As of 2026, Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35 remains the official benchmark for all distance runners. His training intensity and “marathon-first” philosophy have become the new blueprint for aspiring athletes across East Africa and the world. While his pursuit of the sub-two-hour barrier was tragically cut short, the data from his Chicago run has convinced scientists and coaches alike that a “Sub-2” marathon in an official race is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.”
To honor his memory, the Kelvin Kiptum Foundation continues to support education and athletics infrastructure in his home village of Chepkorio. Kiptum’s journey from a young cattle herder to the fastest man in history serves as a permanent reminder that human limits are often just milestones waiting to be surpassed.
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