Days After Kelvin Kiptum’s Tragic Passing, Eliud Kipchoge Sets Sights on Honoring Marathon Legend in Upcoming Race

As the global marathon community braced itself for a year of intense competition leading up to the Paris Olympics, tragedy struck with the untimely passing of record-breaking icon Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, met with a fatal accident in Kaptagat, southwest Kenya, on February 11, 2024. Kiptum held the men’s world record time of 2:00:35 on October 8, 2023, at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, surpassing the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.

As the marathon world continues to mourn his death and deal with the subsequent bereavement, Kipchoge is gearing up for an important race on March 3, 2024. And to honor his formidable competitor, Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge is planning a heartwarming tribute.

Eliud Kipchoge set to pay homage to Kelvin Kiptum

According to Olympics.com, Eliud Kipchoge is returning to Japan to participate in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon on March 3, 2024. This marathon holds significance for the double Olympic gold medalist, as he previously won his second Olympic gold in Japan. Kipchoge is aiming to win a fifth Olympic medal and achieve his fifth consecutive marathon win. This would also be his third consecutive Olympic marathon gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics if he is successful in his quest.

Kipchoge also acknowledged the tragic passing of fellow Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, sees the Tokyo Marathon as a chance to pay tribute to Kiptum’s legacy, and aims to run fast in his honor. He said, “I am trying to push my limits all the time. I believe in every race, I have an opportunity to push any limit [possible]. That’s the beauty of training, you need to put in action what you have been doing for five-six months.“ As we reflect on these words by the legend, let us explore the details of the upcoming 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

What lies ahead at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon?

Eliud Kipchoge will headline the 2024 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, March 3, marking his last race before potentially competing in his fifth Olympics in Paris in 2024. His formidable competitors for the Tokyo Marathon are fellow fast Kenyan runners Vincent Kipkemoi and Timothy Kiplagat, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The women’s race at the Tokyo Marathon features top-class runners like Sifan Hassan, who aims for her third consecutive World Marathon Majors win and must decide between track and marathon for Paris 2024.

Read more: ‘Flying Finn’s’ Golden Legacy Returns to Paris Ahead of the Summer Olympics 2024

The race schedule at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon is as follows: 9:05 am: wheelchair marathon; 9:05 am: 10.7km race; and 9:10 am: men’s and women’s marathon. Fans eagerly await as Eliud Kipchoge takes to the streets of Tokyo, determined to push his limits and honor the memory of Kelvin Kiptum.

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