Ruto leads tributes for London conquerors Kiptum, Kamworor and Jepchirchir

President William Ruto was among prominent personalities who lauded Kenyan athletes, led by Kelvin Kiptum, for their good show at the London Marathon on Sunday.

Kiptum recorded the second-fastest marathon time in history, clocking 2:01:25 on his way to winning the race, missing compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s world record by 16 seconds, to the astonishment of the rest of the world.

The 23-year-old’s achievements, plus Geoffrey Kamworor’s second place, added to Peris Jepchirchir’s third-place finish, put Kenya on the map once again and the President was quick to congratulate him for a job well done.

“Course record smashed! Hongera (congratulations) Kelvin Kiptum on your decisive win in the 2023 London Marathon,” Ruto wrote on Twitter. “Your incredible skill, mettle, unyielding resolve and dedication have convincingly paid off. Great run from Geoffrey Kamworor for scooping silver.”

First Lady Rachel Ruto was also not left behind. She said: “We are thrilled by the amazing achievements of Kelvin Kiptum, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Peres Jepchirchir at the 2023 London Marathon! Kiptum won the men's race, with Kamworor coming in second, while Jepchirchir claimed the bronze medal in the women's race.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki were also left in awe by the achievements.

“Congratulations Kelvin Kiptum on your victory in the 2023 #LondonMarathon. You have proven to be an outstanding athlete. Your incredible performance, sets a good record and it’s an inspiration to future generations. Hongera,” said Mudavadi.

Kindiki wrote: “Congratulations Team Kenya. Kelvin Kiptum & Geoffrey Kamworor just confirmed that our country remains the greatest marathon nation on earth. What a splendid 1-2 finish! To Peris Jepchirchir too, for a brilliant position three in the women’s edition. The country is proud to share in.”

Nandi Governor Stepehn Sang from the ‘Source of Champions’ where Kiptum comes from, also sent his congratulatory message.

“Well done to Kelvin Kiptum for securing a historic win at the #LondonMarathon and setting a new course record with an impressive time of 2:01:26(25), which is the second fastest in marathon history. Also, a big congratulations to Peres Chepchirchir Ngeno for earning a bronze medal in the women's category,” he said.

World Athletics and Athletics Kenya were also left stunned by the incredible run.

“Kelvin Kiptum wins the London Marathon in a new course record of 2:01:27 (25) and it is the second fastest time in a marathon. Congratulations, Kelvin,” AK tweeted, while World Athletics wrote: “Unstoppable Kiptum. Kelvin Kiptum storms to the 2️nd fastest marathon in history as he smashes the London Marathon course record.”

Kiptum was followed by compatriot Kamworor in 2:04:23 while Peris Jepchichir finished third (2:18:38) in the women’s race after seeing Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan beat her to first place, despite leading for most of the contest.