A Year After Claiming to Be Self-Trained, World Record Marathon Runner Kelvin Kiptum Unveils His Coach of Two Years

Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan long-distance runner who holds the marathon world record, has revealed that he has been working with a coach for the past two years. Kiptum, who ran the fastest-ever marathon debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, had previously said that he was self-coached and trained alone in his native Nandi.

Kiptum was welcomed with a sinendet garland as he stepped back home to Kenya after his glorious run. It was all gaga as he returned from the Chicago Marathon where he shattered the world marathon record. As the new information reveals, Kiptum’s achievements have a major force behind it.

Kelvin Kiptum discloses his coach of two years

However, as stated by Letsrun.com, Kiptum admitted that he had been receiving guidance from Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan 3000-metre steeplechase record holder, since 2020. Hakizimana, who is based in France, has been coaching Kiptum remotely through phone calls and messages.

Kiptum said that he decided to keep his coach a secret because he wanted to avoid pressure and expectations from the media and the public. According to him, he wanted to prove himself before revealing his mentor. He said, “[I worked with him] a little bit [before Valencia]. Not so much. He was giving me tips, on how to train. At the beginning of this year, he has taken a big role.” After finally achieving the dream of a lifetime, he revealed, “I wanted to show the world that I can run fast without anyone’s help. I also wanted to surprise everyone with my results.”  “But now I feel that it is time to acknowledge my coach and thank him for his support”.

The feeling is mutual as Kiptum’s coach also lauded his commitment and ability.

Proud coach lauds humble disciple

Hakizimana said that he was proud of Kiptum’s achievements and praised his talent and dedication. He said that he had been following Kiptum’s progress since 2013 when they met at a local race in Kenya. He said that he offered to coach Kiptum in 2020, after seeing his potential in the half marathon.

“I saw something special in him. He had a natural talent and a strong will. I wanted to help him reach his full potential. I gave him some advice on training, nutrition, recovery, and race strategy. He followed everything I told him and improved a lot,” Hakizimana said.

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Kiptum, who is 23 years old, is the only person in history to run a marathon in under two hours and one minute in a record-eligible race. He holds three of the top six fastest marathons ever run, including the world record of 2:00:35, which he set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. He also won the 2023 London Marathon in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time in history. Considering his young age and the potential he carries, it’ll be a treat to watch him as there are miles for him to run.

What do you make of the new information about Kiptum’s coach that has come to light? Let us know in the comments section below.