Kelvin Kiptum admits he is yet to receive a congratulatory message from Eliud Kipchoge

ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum admits he is yet to receive a congratulatory message from Eliud Kipchoge

Abigael Wafula 11:48 - 13.10.2023

The current marathon record holder has admitted that at a personal level, he has yet to receive any congratulatory message from Eliud Kipchoge.

Newly-crowned world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has admitted that he is yet to receive a congratulatory message from the former record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

Kiptum shattered Kipchoge’s world record at the Chicago Marathon, clocking 2:00:35 to win the race. The previous record stood at 2:01:09 and was set by Kipchoge during the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

It was expected that Kipchoge would congratulate him for the feat but the five-time Berlin Marathon champion is yet to extend a hand of congratulations to his compatriot.

Speaking during a press conference, Kiptum noted that his manager, Golazo CEO and founder Bob Verbeeck, had told him that Kipchoge had sent his congratulatory message but he was yet to have a one-on-one talk with him.

“Bob told me that he (Kipchoge) had sent a congratulatory message…but personally, I’m yet to receive any message from him,” the 23-year-old said.

Kipchoge had gone silent on social media but resurfaced with a heartwarming message, speaking about how running unites the whole world.

In a lengthy post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he said: “One of my favourite things about running is that it unites us all. It fades differences and sharing our passion brings us together.

"It’s great to be back in China where I have the opportunity to meet so many fans who share the same love for running.

"I get so much energy from meeting all of these wonderful people which fills me with motivation when I start my training for my next race.”

He also spoke about his INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, noting that it is marking its fourth anniversary.

“On 12 October 2019, we inspired so many people that No Human Is Limited. Running towards the finish line on the famous Prater Hauptallee will be in my mind forever.

"Together, we showed every human being that there are no limits in this world. I’m inviting everyone in the world to join us in the INEOS 1:59 Pace Challenge, a great way to test your own limits,” Kipchoge said.

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