Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum has officially etched his name into the annals of marathon history as the World Athletics ratified his astonishing world marathon record of 2:00:35, achieved during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon last year.
Kiptum’s incredible feat not only secured his place in the record books but also marked the first time an athlete has shattered the elusive 2:01 barrier in a record-eligible marathon. Surpassing his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record of 2:01:09 set in Berlin in 2022, Kiptum’s performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From the outset, Kiptum displayed unwavering determination, setting a blistering pace and breaking away from the lead group early in the race alongside fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko. Despite facing fierce competition and challenging conditions, Kiptum maintained his momentum, hitting the 10km mark at world-record pace.
With each passing kilometer, Kiptum’s lead only grew, fueled by an unyielding drive to make history. His relentless pace saw him cross the finish line in a remarkable time of 2:00:35, securing victory by a commanding margin of nearly three and a half minutes.
Reflecting on his extraordinary achievement, Kiptum expressed his elation, admitting that while a course record was his initial goal, the realization of a world record left him overjoyed. “A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew one day I would be a world record-holder,” he remarked, encapsulating the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
