Kenya marathon star Kiptum's funeral brought forward to Friday

The funeral for World Marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum, who met his death in a car crash this month, has been brought forward to Friday 23 from the initial Saturday 24 the Athletics Kenya has announced.

Kiptum's death, just days after his World Record had been ratified and before the Paris Olympics shocked the world of athletics and Kenya at large.

"Kelvin will be laid to rest on Friday, 23rd February 2024 at his home in Chepkorio Village, Elgeyo Marakwet," Athletics Kenya said in a statement on Tuesday on its X(Twitter) account.

Last week, officials had said he would be buried on February 24, with the government promising a "heroic farewell" to the young marathon star.

The funeral which is expected to be a state function with President William Ruto gracing was brought forward to accommodate the head of state's busy schedule.

Kiptum, a 24-year-old father of two, was killed in a late-night car accident on February 11 near his home in Eldoret, the high-altitude training hub in the Rif Valley.

His Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana also died in the accident with his remains already airlifted to Rwanda for proper burial as per their customs while a woman passenger was injured.

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The aspiring Kiptum had competed in only three marathons and recorded three of the all-time fastest seven times for the event.

Kiptum ran the Chicago marathon in October in two hours and 35 seconds, shattering the previous record set by Marathon GOAT and fellow countryman Eliud Kipchoge by 34 seconds.

He was the favorite to take gold at the Paris Olympics, where he was expected to go head-to-head with Kipchoge for the first time.

"The only way to honor my brother Kiptum is by winning the 2024 Olympic marathon and bringing the victory home," Kipchoge posted on X last week.

Kiptum was the latest in several Kenyan athletes to have lost their lives in recent years, and lawmakers have called for better support and protection for the country's sporting talent.

In honor of Kiptum, the AK's offices will remain closed as from Thursday with normal operations resuming on Monday 26.

Additional reporting by AFP