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Marathon Handbook

The haunting "What If..." of Kelvin Kiptum

Published 10 months ago • 1 min read

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Hello runners,

Michael here, editor of Marathon Handbook.

Tonight (my time at least, as I write this), I felt compelled to share a single piece that we just published on our site, as it's been one year since the death of Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder, and perhaps the single most talented distance runner ever. Kiptum's death is still troubling for so many reasons, and it is important to take a moment and reflect upon his singular greatness, his mystery, and his tantalizing promise.

Thanks for taking the time to read what we do. Be well, and hopefully you got out for a run today.

Feb. 11 marks the one year anniversary of the death of Kelvin Kiptum—the single biggest loss of talent perhaps in sports history—at a moment when the runner seemed poised to alter our understanding of the marathon.

Kiptum was just 24 when the Toyota he was driving lost control on a rural road near Kaptagat, Kenya, skidded into a ditch and collided with a tree. He and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, who was in the passenger seat, were found dead at the scene when police arrived.

This horrible accident has irreparably damaged the lives of his family, friends and teammates he trained with, sent his home country into a national state of mourning, and stirred up ugly conspiracy theories that have paralyzed elite careers and changed the course of running history.

And, one year later, Kiptum’s death now functions as a black hole at center of the history of distance running.

Read our in memoriam essay on Kiptum's life and incomparable legacy below.

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​The Haunting "What If..." Of Kelvin Kiptum​

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