The Chicago Marathon will pay tribute to the late Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum this Sunday, a year after his historic 2:00:35 marathon performance that shocked the running world.
Kiptum, who died tragically in a car accident in February, will be remembered with a memorial that ensures his legacy lives on in the streets of Chicago.
As the elite runners line up for the race, each will carry a special mark on their bibs — Kiptum’s name and his record-breaking time. It’s a small but powerful gesture in remembrance of the athlete who nearly shattered the mythical two-hour barrier in his third marathon.
His remarkable race kit will also be displayed at the marathon expo for fans and athletes to honour his memory. A moment of silence will mark the emotional start of the race.
Kelvin Kiptum’s performance in the 2023 Chicago Marathon made global headlines. His sub-2:01 marathon time not only set a new world record but also positioned the 24-year-old as one of the most promising talents in marathon history.
Just over a year earlier, his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge had set a 2:01:09 record, which Kiptum obliterated with a stunning run in Chicago. Few doubted that Kiptum would go on to dominate the sport, with many tipping him for Olympic glory.
Race director Carey Pinkowski emphasised the significance of Kiptum’s contribution to the sport, noting that his record-breaking run elevated Chicago’s marathon to new heights. "Kelvin put this marathon on the world map last year," he remarked, reflecting on how the young athlete had made an indelible mark.
This year’s race lacks an obvious contender to follow in Kiptum’s footsteps, but the event is expected to be highly competitive. Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese, with a personal best of 2:02:48, leads the men’s elite field. Legese is eager to challenge Kiptum’s world record, but he hasn’t run under 2:03 since his 2019 Berlin Marathon triumph.
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, and Vincent Ngetich are also eyeing victory, with both keen to carry forward Kiptum’s marathon legacy.
The race, which is renowned for its flat, fast course, will see over 50,000 runners competing — the highest number of participants in its 46-year history. A staggering 35 per cent of them come from outside the United States, underscoring the global appeal of this iconic event.
For the runners, particularly the Kenyan and Ethiopian elites, this year’s marathon holds extra significance, given the emotional weight of Kiptum’s untimely death.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich returns to Chicago as one of the top contenders. Having won the race twice and finishing second last year, Chepngetich is expected to deliver another strong performance. However, she will face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, the 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion, and Joyciline Jepkosgei, who set a personal best in London earlier this year. All eyes will be on these women as they battle for the title, with Kiptum’s memory serving as a powerful motivator.
