Kelvin Kiptum's parents emotionally remember marathon legend year after his death: "Continue resting in eternal peace"

The pain of losing a loved one never truly fades, and for the parents of the late Kenyan marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum, the grief remains as raw as it was a year ago.

Marking the first anniversary of their son’s tragic passing, Samson Cheruiyot and Mary Cheruiyot gathered by his grave in Uasin Gishu County, their faces etched with sorrow.

Between them sat a framed portrait of Kiptum, proudly holding his World Athlete of the Year trophy, an image that captured his triumphant spirit before fate cruelly cut his journey short.

Kiptum, who had the world at his feet, lost his life on February 11, 2024, in a devastating car accident that also claimed the life of his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

The promising athlete, who had shattered records and redefined marathon running, was gone in an instant, leaving behind a grieving nation and an inconsolable family.

In a deeply moving TikTok video shared to honour his memory, Kiptum’s parents paid tribute to their son, expressing both their enduring love and the struggles they have faced since his passing.

His father, Samson, voiced the family’s heartbreak, revealing that despite Kiptum’s international success, they have yet to access the financial benefits he left behind.

“If we had the means, we would have given our son a befitting tombstone. But we don’t have access to his benefits. Where is his money? We are crying to God, hoping for answers,” he lamented.

In a written tribute, the bereaved parents poured out their emotions, painting a poignant picture of a son whose kindness, laughter, and generosity touched their lives in ways they could never forget.

“Son, even though you are gone, your memories will forever be precious. The blessing is that you are still alive in us. We are remembering you on this difficult day. Your kindness and laughter continue to live in our hearts. You will always be loved. For everything you did while you were alive, we are thankful. Continue resting in eternal peace, our son, Tumi.”

Kelvin Kiptum’s meteoric rise in the world of marathon running was nothing short of extraordinary.

His debut marathon on 4 December 2022, just two days after his 23rd birthday, saw him clock an astonishing 2:01:53 in Valencia, the fastest marathon debut in history. It was a clear statement of his raw talent and relentless determination.

Four months later, he stunned the world again by winning the London Marathon in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time ever recorded at the time.

But it was in Chicago on 8 October 2023 that he cemented his place in history, smashing the world record with a jaw-dropping 2:00:35, slicing 34 seconds off Eliud Kipchoge’s mark.

Kiptum’s achievements saw him crowned Kenya’s Sportsman of the Year in 2023 and the first recipient of the World Athlete of the Year award for men’s out-of-stadia events.

On 11 December 2023, in the grandeur of Monaco’s Prince’s Palace, he stood among the greatest athletes of his generation, a symbol of Kenya’s rich running legacy.

Kiptum’s untimely death left a void in Kenyan athletics. The young man who once ran with boundless energy and ambition now rests in silence. His parents, still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of their loss, hope that one day justice will be served, and their son’s hard-earned wealth will reach the rightful hands.

Even in death, Kelvin Kiptum’s legacy remains unshaken. His records stand as a testament to his talent, his victories continue to inspire, and his memory lives on in the hearts of his family, his fans, and the world of athletics.