By Antynet Ford
Kelvin Kiptum Foundation has today been launched to help fund education and infrastructure projects which the late Kelvin Kiptum, World record Marathon holder was engaged in.
Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei said the foundation will be a legacy to keep the dream of the deceased marathoner alive.
“In keeping the memory of Kelvin Kiptum alive and supporting his family and community, Golazo is launching the Kelvin Kiptum Foundation. The fund will predominantly provide continued financial support for education and infrastructure.” Tuwei announced.
He said that AK would fully support the programme adding that the discussion would be done with the late’s family and Elgeyo Marakwet County and other partners who were supporting Kiptum’s marathon career that his pending payments were done to the foundation.
“We will discuss with the family of Kiptum, the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet, and other partners like Nike to see that all pending payments due to Kiptum are paid to this foundation.” Tuwei said.
The AK president also recommended a sporting facility be considered in Chepkorio as per the Kiptum’s wish to support the new talents.
He said according to one of Kiptum’s training mates, his dream was to make the world know that there was a training place called Chepkorio.
Tuwei eulogized Kiptum as a person who won clean without shortcuts.
“Let us all celebrate and be inspired to greatness by these performances that were a result of hard work devoid of shortcuts. He ran well, was clean, and didn’t have any problems that we are seeing today.”
The athlete died on February 11 alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident along the Eldoret-Ravine road.
Kiptum’s death happened six days after the IAAF ratified his record of 2:00:35.
He broke Eliud Kipchoge’s world record in Chicago, in October last year, running 26.1 miles in two hours and 35 seconds.
