The millions government handed Kelvin Kiptum for breaking marathon record

ATHLETICS The millions government handed Kelvin Kiptum for breaking marathon record

Abigael Wafula 18:39 - 10.10.2023

Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon world record on Sunday and he has been awarded handsomely by the government due to his exploits.

Newly crowned world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has been awarded Ksh5 million by the Government of Kenya following to his dominant exploits at the Chicago Marathon.

Kiptum clocked 2:00:35 to win the marathon and shatter Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record time of 2:01:09 that he set during the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

He now joins double-world record holder Faith Kipyegon in enjoying the new reward scheme set up by the government. 

The scheme, as reported by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, looks to award athletes who do exemplary well by granting them a cash token of Ksh 5 million.

During his home welcoming ceremony, the CS congratulated the 23-year-old for his dominant exploits on the global stage. He also emphasised that athletes run clean and avoid shortcuts to reach the global stage. 

“We don’t have much to say today but to just appreciate Kelvin for his great feat. We also applaud the great council that has been behind the success of this gentleman. 

"Yesterday the cabinet acknowledged you for your great performance. We announced a new reward scheme for the various categories of competitions. 

"When Faith Kipyegon broke the world record, she was the first athlete to benefit from our new scheme and you Kelvin you become the second athlete to benefit from this,” Namwamba said. 

The reigning London Marathon champion was only competing in his third marathon and managed to pull off such a great performance. He made his debut at the Valencia Marathon last year where he set the fastest time in a debut. 

He then proceeded to the London Marathon earlier this year, clocking the second-fastest time in history in the marathon before making history at the just concluded Chicago Marathon.

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