On Sunday, Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum achieved the impossible, breaking Eliud Kipchoge's world marathon record after clocking 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon.
Following his exploits, Kiptum is set to pocket millions of shillings from the Chicago Marathon organisers, sponsors, and the Kenyan Government.
From the Chicago Marathon sponsored by The Bank of America, Kiptum will receive a cash prize of Ksh 14.9 million for emerging winner.
Additionally, the 23-year-old will pocket a further Ksh7.4 million ($50,000) from Nike, the official event sponsor, for setting a world record.
On top of that, the athlete is also in line to pocket millions from the Kenyan government.
In June, President William Ruto unveiled hefty perks for Kenyan sportsmen and women; flying Kenya's flag high in global competitions.
Speaking during the State reception for Faith Kipyegon who had set two world records in a week: breaking the 1,500M in Florence, Italy, and 5,000M in Paris France, Ruto announced that world record holders would receive Ksh5 million from the state for every record broken.
This means Kelvin Kiptum will take home a further Ksh5 million for his achievements on Sunday.
The total amount Kiptum will bag from the race will be Ksh27.3 million.
When this amount is broken down; Kiptum will pocket Ksh22.3 million from event organisers and sponsors and another Ksh5 million from the Kenyan government.
He will also be accorded special privileges like being granted a diplomatic passport, honors, and recognition from the Kenyan government.
Following his win on Sunday, Kiptum officially became the fastest man in long distance races.
Over the last ten months, Kiptum has participated in 3 marathons.
In all these races, he achieved three of the six fastest times in history: 2:01:53 in Valencia, Spain, last December, followed by 2:01:25 in London in April.
