Funeral for Marathon Record Holder Kiptum Held in Hometown
The funeral for marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum was held in his home village of Chepkorio, Kenya, on Friday, February 23, following his death in a fatal car crash less than a fortnight before.
The service was attended by hundreds of mourners, including political and sporting dignitaries such as Kenyan President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
Kiptum set the world record in Chicago in October 2023, with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds, beating the time of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge by 34 seconds. He had been training in preparation for an attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier.
Mourners had waited from 5 am to get a place for the funeral, according to the Daily Nation.
Kiptum was to be buried near the city of Eldoret, the paper said. Credit: State House Kenya via Storyful
Video transcript
- [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. The power of life lies in forgiveness. The tone of reconciliation comes from the victim to the offender.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Your excellency [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] when our people have been blessed, and they have been raised from grass to grace. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].
They be given security. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Entering with Jesus to the kingdom of God, our heavenly home is a privilege, and it's a great honor. Paradise is the desired eternal life, and the journey to that place starts here on Earth.
So, you, Kelvin, fare thee well. Travel safe. Your family will be taken care of by God. Your people will be taken care of by God. This great nation will be protected by God, and God is faithful.
Finally, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. We want to commit you to the lord, that you will be a blessed people. Great things will come your way.
We want to bless you. You raised a [? panel ?] of this great nation, Kenya. [INAUDIBLE] pray.
Father, in the mighty name of every individual athlete and them collectively, we pray Jehovah that you will bless them. Shake the heavens and cause them to succeed. We declare here and now that victory and success will be their portion in the name of Jesus.
We want to refuse the spirit of accidents in the name of Jesus. You're nullifying it. You will live long to see the fruits of your labor.
You will be called blessed as you come in. You will be called blessed as you go out. May you continue lifting the flag of this great nation Kenya, making all of us proud and, more importantly, making his excellence and the people of Kenya proud because of your talents and your gift [INAUDIBLE].
We bless you. For all the plans that you may, they be fulfilled. So we bless you.
We bless you. We bless you. This is our prayer.
Even as we eulogize, as we remember the sudden demise of Kelvin, we pray that another Kelvin will break and shatter the records in whatever field. Through you shall come to pass. May you be blessed the name of God, the father, the son, and the holy spirit.
To begin, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. You can now stand. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Thank you so much.
- Thank you, [INAUDIBLE]. They are saying they have a song or a chorus. Is there any? [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].
- Your excellency now [INAUDIBLE], is asking for a-- they are asking for a chorus please. I [INAUDIBLE] lead that session [INAUDIBLE].
[GOSPEL MUSIC PLAYING]
- [NON-ENGLISH SINGING]
- Thank you, thank you. [INAUDIBLE]
- [NON-ENGLISH SINGING]
- [INAUDIBLE]
- [NON-ENGLISH SINGING]
- You have inspired many. You can call the family.
- Thank you, your excellency. Deputy [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] family members [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Family members [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].
Family members [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] his excellency. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Thank you. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].
