Kelvin Kiptum’s Record-Breaking Chicago Marathon: A Glimpse of Greatness Gone Too Soon

Kenyan phenom smashed the marathon world record at just 23 years old, prompting new questions about the sub-2-hour barrier

Kiptum Makes History in Chicago

On October 8, 2023, the running world was left speechless after a stunning performance by Kelvin Kiptum broke the men’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:00:35 (Runners World, 2023).

Only 23 years old and running only his third-ever competitive marathon, Kiptum obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record of 2:01:09. His performance to this day is one of the most extraordinary the sport has ever seen, but in the nearly two years since, it has left us with more questions than answers.

Kiptum‘s Meteoric Rise

New to the marathon distance, Kiptum was not on most radars, but his debut in the Valencia Marathon was the fastest ever for a first timer (Jiwani, 2022). Kiptum debuted in a staggering 2:01:53, one minute and seven seconds ahead of the runner-up (Jiwani, 2022). He followed it up with a win in London and his subsequent run in Chicago. Kiptum’s Chicago performance is even more impressive once you learn that after a blistering halfway split of 1:00:48, Kiptum ran the back half in under sixty minutes.

For perspective, the average marathon finish time for men, according to RunRepeat, is 4:23:27 (McGuire, 2019). Without factoring in fatigue, Kiptum could run 2.25 marathons in the time of the average male. Moreover, Kiptum achieved all of this within one year of competing in the marathon distance.

Inside the 300 km-per-week Training Machine

Kiptum’s record-breaking pace was not from nowhere; it was built on a gruelling training regimen and an unbelievable work ethic. In an interview with Kiptum’s coach, Gervais Hakizimana, he explains that he was a self-trained runner for most of his life (McAlister, 2023). However, once the two began a formal training partnership, his routine drastically changed, which is a key reason for how Kiptum has performed (McAlister, 2023. Kiptum’s week is as follows.

Key Workouts in Kiptum’s Training:

• Monday – Double threshold day of up to 40km
• Tuesday – Track workouts focused on fartleks (a form of interval training)
• Wednesday – Double threshold day of up to 40km
• Thursday – Long run up to potentially 40km at marathon pace
• Friday – Double threshold day of up to 40km
• Saturday – Track or Road sessions with lower intensity
• Sunday – Long run up to potentially 40km at marathon pace

This plan results in a training load over 300km during peak weeks, and no time for rest (McAlister, 2023).

A Life Cut Short, A Question Left Unanswered

Tragically, Kelvin Kiptum died in a car accident alongside his coach on February 11, 2024, months after his Chicago win. The death sent shockwaves through the running community and posed the question, What might have been?

Kiptum’s immediate success at the marathon distance left many questioning whether he would’ve been the one to break the two-hour barrier in record-legal conditions officially.

Kiptum’s name will be remembered in marathon history not only for his talent and record-breaking performances but also for the inspiration he left in the community and his competitors about what they can truly achieve.

References

Jiwani, R. (2022, December 4). Amane Beriso Shankule and Kelvin Kiptum take wins at Valencia Marathon. Olympics.com; International Olympic Committee. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/amane-beriso-kelvin-kiptum-valencia-marathon-2022-results

McAlister, S. (2023, October 19). Kelvin Kiptum: The remarkable 300km per week training regime of the marathon world record holder. Olympics.com; International Olympic Committee. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/kelvin-kiptum-incredible-300km-per-week-training-regime

McGuire, J. (2019, June 6). What is the average marathon finish time? Runner’s World; Runner’s World. https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/marathon/a27787958/average-marathon-finish-time/

Runners World. (2023, October 8). Results and Highlights From the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Runner’s World. https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/a45444043/chicago-marathon-2023-results/

Watta, E. (2024, February 12). Kelvin Kiptum: The life of the extraordinary marathon world record holder that ended too soon. Olympics.com; International Olympic Committee. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/kelvin-kiptum-the-life-of-the-extraordinary-marathon-record-holder-that-ended-too-soon