Samson Cheruiyot, the father of the late marathon prodigy Kelvin Kiptum, has broken his silence, shedding light on the devastating loss of his son. Kiptum, a renowned marathon record-holder, tragically met his demise on Sunday night, sending shockwaves through the running community and beyond.
During an exclusive interview on Monday afternoon, Cheruiyot expressed the profound impact of Kiptum’s untimely death on his family, emphasizing that Kiptum was his only son. The grief-stricken father recounted the anguish of losing not only his beloved son but also the hopes and dreams they shared.
Cheruiyot revealed a chilling encounter that occurred just days before Kiptum’s fatal accident. He recounted a visit from four unidentified individuals to his home, who cryptically referred to themselves as “visitors” but refused to disclose their intentions. This mysterious visit now looms as a haunting prelude to the tragic events that unfolded.
“Kiptum was my only child. Now he has left me and my grandchildren. I do not know what to do. If the government can, it should help us. We are stuck now with no one who can help us,” lamented Cheruiyot, his voice heavy with sorrow.
The distraught father recounted the moment he received the gut-wrenching news of Kiptum’s involvement in a fatal car accident. He vividly described the frantic rush to the scene, only to find that his son, along with Rwandese Coach Gervais Hakizimana and another companion, had already been rushed to the hospital.
Cheruiyot reminisced about his last conversation with Kiptum, which occurred just the night before the tragic incident. They had discussed plans to build a house, a testament to the aspirations Kiptum held for his family’s future. In a poignant exchange, Kiptum had shared his optimism about his upcoming race, expressing confidence in his physical condition and setting ambitious goals for himself.
“On Saturday night, I talked to him and he told me that he would go to Fluospar and return home. When he returned, he told me that a man (a white man) would come to build us a house. He also told me that he would run for 1 hour 58 minutes (in the upcoming race) because he felt his body was in great shape,” Cheruiyot recalled, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Cheruiyot also reflected on Kiptum’s unwavering determination to pursue marathon running as a career, a decision that led him to forgo a course in Electronic Wiring at Eldoret Polytechnic. Kiptum’s passion for running was evident in every stride he took, propelling him to remarkable heights in the world of marathon racing.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising athlete and beloved son, Cheruiyot’s poignant words serve as a reminder of the profound impact Kiptum had on those around him. In the wake of this tragedy, the memories of Kelvin Kiptum will endure as a beacon of inspiration and resilience.