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The Chicago Marathon will honor late Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum with tributes, celebrating his record-breaking legacy.
Seven days remain until the 2024 Chicago Marathon and while the runners are preparing for one of the most prestigious races in the world the event organizers are gearing up to pay tribute to one of the sport’s brightest stars.
The late Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away earlier this year in a car accident, will be honored in various ways during the race weekend, a year after his unforgettable record-setting performance in the Windy City.
Kiptum, who was only 23 at the time, stunned the world in 2023 when he shattered the men’s marathon world record, crossing the finish line in 2:00:35.
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His remarkable achievement made him the first man to officially break the two-hour and one-minute barrier in a marathon. However, his life and career were cut tragically short just four months after that victory.
“He’s still prevalent in everyone’s thoughts,” Race Director Carey Pinkowski told Reuters in a recent interview.
“He’s with us, and it’s our plan to celebrate his life.”
To honor Kiptum, the Chicago Marathon has planned a series of tributes.
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Before the race, there will be a moment of silence at the starting line, allowing participants, spectators, and officials to reflect on the young runner’s extraordinary achievements and life.
In addition, the pre-race expo will feature a special exhibit celebrating Kiptum’s career, showcasing photos and memorabilia from his marathon victories.
Participants will also have the opportunity to wear memorial stickers during the race, a small but poignant gesture to carry his memory with them through the streets of Chicago.
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The 2023 race was etched into history, not only because of Kiptum’s world record but also due to the sheer grace and power with which he ran. Pinkowski, who was at the finish line to witness the historic moment, recalled being awestruck by Kiptum’s performance.
“I was so impressed by his biomechanics, and his ability was just effortless; it was like something I’ve never seen before. And I’ve seen a lot of the greats,” Pinkowski said.
Kiptum’s marathon in Chicago last year was not his first major victory of 2023.
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Earlier that year, he had won the London Marathon, setting a course record of 2:01:25. By the time he arrived in Chicago, Kiptum was on top of the world, with many predicting his dominance in the sport for years to come.
In Chicago, he ran much of the second half of the race alone, far ahead of his competitors, as he seemingly battled only against time itself.
"It was him against history, him against the stopwatch, him against the clock, and he just ran," Pinkowski recalled.
“I knew he was a magnificent athlete. In my opinion, the best I’ve ever seen.”
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The 2024 Chicago Marathon will now serve as a bittersweet celebration of Kiptum’s life and legacy.
For Pinkowski and the Chicago Marathon team, honoring Kiptum is not just a matter of reflecting on a record-breaking performance but also recognizing the loss of a young athlete whose career held such enormous promise.
While the Chicago race is known for its fast course and world records — with six world records set there over the years — Kiptum’s achievement in 2023 remains one of the most astonishing in the sport’s history.
The 2024 Chicago Marathon is scheduled for October 13 and the world will be watching, not only to see who crosses the finish line first but to remember the extraordinary runner who once led the pack.
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