The 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon was a true spectacle. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the World Marathon Major, various forces joined hands to make the race a success. However, the absence of Kelvin Kiptum was felt dearly by the fans. Seeing how Ethiopia dominated the event with both the men’s and women’s champions belonging to the country, the track and field connoisseurs couldn’t stop talking about how things could have been different if the late Kiptum was standing at the starting line.

In February this year, the track community was desolate to learn that world record holder Kelvin Kiptum perished in a car crash along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana. The marathoner had quit electrical engineering to pursue his Olympic dreams, and his parents were more than happy to stand beside him every step of the way. His untimely demise made national comrade Eliud Kipchoge vow he’d honor his departed friend at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Total Running Productions took to YouTube on September 29 to highlight how incredible the 2024 Berlin Marathon was. Captioned, “The 2024 Berlin Marathon Was Incredible!” the video notes how this year’s edition was a special treat for the fans considering how 6 of the participants had sub-2:05 PBs. And yet, it wasn’t surprising to see that Kelvin became the most discussed athlete after the end of the race.

Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha picked up the winning spot in the men’s division with a 2:03.17 finish. However, Kiptum’s 2:00:35 finish at the Chicago Marathon last year made many ponder how he would have posed a significant challenge to the 2024 Berlin Marathon winner.

“At 20km in Berlin 2023, he beats the leaders of #BerlinMarathon2024 with almost 1 minute. RIP Kiptum,” wrote Chris on X, noting how Kiptum was an incredible athlete who deserves all the praise from the community. For reference, Kiptum’s record 20km split stands at 57:09. His Chicago Marathon remains the world record in Marathon events, and seeing his split timings, the community members believe he would have destroyed any competition thrown at him in Berlin. 

Fans unanimously laud Kelvin Kiptum’s record

Another fan talked about another iconic long-distance Kenyan runner, Eliud Kipchoge, who holds some of the fastest timings in marathon history. Referring to the Kenyan dominance in the event, Don commented, “Impressive, if the Kenyan & Kalenjin Kelvin Kiptum alas wasn’t able to be there. Such a what might have been there, if having 3/6 fastest marathons in history and current world record was pretty darn good,” as they underscored how Mengesha would have to run for his money had these two marathon juggernauts present in Berlin.

at the 15km mark in Chicago last year, Kiptum posted one of the fastest times in the distance with 43:09. Drawing light on that, one fan wrote, “ Kiptum destroyed the second half of that race in Chicago, so it’s unlikely they’ll finish anywhere near that record,” and we’re inclined to agree.

Cyprian Kotut of Kenya finished second in the Berlin Marathon, posting a time of 2:03:22. Naturally, a chance of seeing Kenya take the top two spots in Berlin cannot be ruled out with Kiptum in the mix. When Kelvin’s unfortunate death shook the world earlier this year, Kipchoge promised to honor his fallen comrade at the Paris Games.

Naturally, his death seems to have left a lasting impact on everyone. While track fans debated Kiptum’s chances in Berlin, his widow, on the other hand, admitted how life has been difficult since the marathoner’s demise. “I Cry,” said Asenath Rotich, as she noted how she misses him. What are your favorite memories of Kiptum’s short but incredible career? Share your thoughts on the late star with a comment below.