World Marathon record holder the late Kelvin Kiptum has bagged a prestigious award days after he was buried at his farm in Naiberi, about 20km from Eldoret.
Kiptum was crowned the 2023 Sportsman Of The Year Award during the 20th Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) Gala held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Friday, March 1.
The award celebrated Kiptum's sports exploits which included breaking the marathon record which was previously held by Eliud Kipchoge. Kiptum broke the marathon world record in October, winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.
The deceased athlete added the annual award to a list of accolades that include Male World Athlete of the Year for out-of-stadia events.
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The deceased beat Daniel Simu and Emmanuel Wanyonyi to clinch the award which was presented by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau picked the accolade from Namwamba on behalf of Kiptum's family.
Kiptum died together with his coach Gervais Hakizimana following a tragic accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
The funeral was an emotional send-off, but also a moment to celebrate Kiptum's outstanding marathon achievements.
“I can’t learn to say goodbye… It’s unbelievable that today I have learnt to stay with our kids without you coming home,” said Kiptum’s widow Asenath Rotich in her eulogy.
“I have cried until no more... I promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children.”
Kiptum left behind two children, his seven-year-old son Caleb and four-year-old daughter Precious. He was the only child of Samson Cheruiyot and Mary Kangogo.
Besides Kiptum, athlete Faith Kipyegon was also crowned the 2023 Sports Woman Of the Year Award.
"Marathon world-record holder the late Kelvin Kiptum wins the 2023 Sportsman Of The Year Award while Multi-world record holder Faith Kipyegon wins the 2023 Sports Woman Of the Year Award at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) held in Nairobi," Athletics Kenya wrote.
