Late last year, Kenya had just witnessed a star in the making, whose longevity in the track was unquestionable. Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon World Record on the streets of Chicago after an extraordinary sub-2-hour run aged 23 years.
His coach Gervais Hakizimana had voiced his fears over how Kiptum was constantly pushing his limits and training a lot. There was great talk in the athletics world over his anticipated race with Eliud Kipchoge. A change of guard seemed likely, now we will never know.
In the wake of tragic events on Sunday night, Kenyans have evoked fresh emotions for over a week. The athletics fraternity was robbed of one of its finest gems who excelled in a manner never seen before.
There is a relief that Kiptum capitalised on his raw talents during his short stay in the world, while also a sense of regret that he never managed to reach the pinnacle and share the fruits of his labour with this family.
In this article, we take a look at the amount of money Kelvin Kiptum made in his short prosperous window since making his debut in 2022; which is the fastest debut in history.
1. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Kelvin Kiptum broke Eliud Kipchoge’s INEOS World Record after displaying a fine, youthful run at Chicago. He finished the race with a record time of 2:00:35 on 8th October 2023.
First place in the BOA Chicago Marathon race was accorded approximately Sh. 15 million ($100,000). He was also added an extra Sh. 7.5 million ($50,000) for breaking the world record.
Additionally, upon his return to Kenya, Kelvin Kiptum received an additional package of Sh. 5 million from the Ministry of Sports. He was the second to receive such an award after Faith Kipyegon.
How Faith Kipyegon has made over Sh. 50 million within four months
2. TCS London Marathon
On 23rd April 2023, the Nike-sponsored athlete clocked 2:01:25 in the London Marathon.
Kiptum clinched Gold in this race, winning him Sh. 37 million ($230,000) prize money and bonuses such as Nike Shoe Company, ambassadorial bonuses and time bonuses.
3. Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP
Kiptum, an only child to his parents, completed this race in a winning time of 2:01:53. He bagged Sh. 12 million ($80,000) from this race.
4. Half Marathons
As per reports, Kiptum has only won some international half-marathons before. This was the Montbeliard half marathon in France, which he completed in a time of 59:53 on 29th September 2019.
Other half Marathons he took part in include:
NN CPC Loop Den Haag – Netherlands – 59:59 – 8th March 2020 – 2nd
Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon – Japan – 1:00:57 – 2nd February 2020 – 8th
Copenhagen Half Marathon – Kobenhavn – 15th September 2019 – 11th
His earnings from all the races he went for during his time alive were enough to cement his multi-millionaire status. Kiptum will be accorded a state burial by the government, which is slated for 24th February 2024.