President Ruto, Olunga, Tergat among those in awe of Kelvin Kiptum’s record-breaking heroics in Chicago

President William Ruto was among Kenyans who showered Kelvin Kiptum with praises after he broke the world marathon record in Chicago on Sunday.

Kiptum run a dominate race at the Chicago Marathon to break Eliud Kipchoge’s word record by 35 seconds after clocking 2:00:35 in the American City to the astonishment of fans across the world.

The 23-year-old continued his meteoric rise since making his debut in Valencia last December, adding the Chicago title and world record to his London Marathon win, which was achieved in 2:01:25, the second fastest time in history.

“Kelvin Kiptum has written a new chapter in marathon history, winning the Chicago Marathon in a majestic, staggering and mind-boggling time of 2:00:35,” Ruto posted on X. “He becomes the first human being to break the 2:01 barrier in competitive running.”

His deputy Rigathi Gachagua also lauded Kiptum for what he termed a superb performance in the Windy City.

“What an astounding race by Kelvin Kiptum to break the World Marathon Record during the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Lowering the record set by the legend Eliud Kipchoge is just stupendous. This is superb. Congratulations Kelvin for this amazing achievement,” said Gachagua.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga were among the other personalities who congratulated Kiptum.

“Congratulations Kelvin Kiptum for your scintillating new World Record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon today. You have made the entire country super proud. Hongera Shujaa! What a season for Kenyan sports,” said Namwamba, while Olunga simply said: “Congratulations Kiptum.”

National Olympics Committee of Kenya president Paul Tergat, who knows a thing or two about breaking marathon world records, lauded Kiptum for his bravery in attempting and lowering Kipchoge’s mark.

“The beauty of world records is that they are set to be broken. Phenomenal Kelvin Kiptum has done it in style and pose. 2:00:35 is breathtaking. The bravery we want to continue seeing. Marathon world record just got elevated. Well done,” said Tergat, who broke the marathon world record (2:04:55) in 2003 in Berlin.

Kiptum now owns three of the six fastest marathon times, the 2:01:53 achieved in Valencia last December, 2:01:25 clocked in London this year, plus his word record, all in a span of 10 months.