The Olympics? Checked off. Diamond League? All wrapped up. But hold on—2024’s track and field season isn’t quite done yet! There’s one more race for fans to look forward to: the Chicago Marathon, happening on October 8. This race usually brings the hype, with runners pushing their limits and the crowd buzzing with excitement. But this year, it comes with a bittersweet undertone. The course that once echoed with the triumphs and records of the legendary Kelvin Kiptum now feels different, as his absence is still deeply felt by the community.

Last year, the Chicago Marathon was the stage where Kelvin Kiptum smashed the marathon world record with an insane time of 2:00:35. “I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record — I am so happy.” It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since that jaw-dropping moment, but this time feels different.

Sadly, Kiptum won’t be around to soak in the cheers again. He and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, tragically lost their lives in a road accident back in February near Eldoret. As the marathon gets closer, the track and field community is coming together to remember him, and this time from last year.

On October 7, Citius Mag took to X to share a heartfelt clip of Kelvin Kiptum from last year’s marathon, capturing that unforgettable moment. They captioned it, “One year ago today, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon world record in 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon. R.I.P.” It’s a beautiful tribute to a remarkable athlete who left his mark on the sport.

The track and field community came together, filling the comments section with love and memories to honor this legend. Tmay, the creative mind behind the MU XC/TF ‘26 Track/Basketball graphics, shared his thoughts, saying, “RIP to a legend gone unbelievably too soon.” And truly, it was far too soon for this incredible athlete, who left us at just 24 years old, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. And this was just the tip of the iceberg, as the comments section overflowed with heartfelt messages from the track and field community, cherishing the memory of the legendary Kelvin Kiptum.

Track and Field community united in memory of Kelvin Kiptum

Kelvin Kiptum’s influence on the running community is undeniable, with one fan expressing, “RIP Kelvin Kiptum. You would have shattered more records!!” That just shows the admiration for Kiptum, who not only set the world record in 2023 but also pulled off one of the most iconic performances in marathon history since the race started in 1977. With that record, Kiptum became the first man to finish a marathon in under 2:01 officially, leaving a legacy that still inspires everyone.

Another fan chimed in, “Probably the biggest ‘What if’ in athletics history,” and it hits hard. Just imagine if that accident hadn’t happened! If Kelvin Kiptum were still with us, he would have clinched even more accolades on his already impressive resume. Kiptum wasn’t just about the recent record; remember when he made his marathon debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon? He became the fastest-ever debutant, becoming only the third man in history to break two hours and two minutes, setting the fourth-fastest time ever.

The love keeps pouring in, with one user saying, “One of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. Gone too soon ❤️,” and it’s tough to disagree. At just 24, Kelvin Kiptum not only left a mark but also holds three of the seven fastest marathons in history, including two epic wins at the World Marathon Majors (WMM). His legacy is a shining reminder of what he achieved in such a short time.