ELDORET, Kenya, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was given an emotional State send-off led by Kenyan President William Ruto and a gathering of athletics royalty on Friday.

Ruto led hundreds of mourners to gather in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County in the northwestern part of the country to pay glowing tributes to the fallen marathon star.

In what was an emotional and politically charged funeral, Kiptum was celebrated as a dedicated and hardworking athlete who rose from obscurity to conquer the world.

"He had transcended the borders of his village, his county, and his country. The whole world has united because of this young man Kelvin. We come as friends, family, and leaders to condole the family for the demise of this great Kenyan and world beater," the president said in his address.

"It was a heavy moment for us because, in Kiptum, we saw the future of athletics in Kenya. Kiptum has stood out not just like a great athlete but a good person," he mourned.

Kiptum, 24, and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana, 37, perished in a road accident in Kaptagat in the same region on February 11 as they were driving from Eldoret town to their camp.

The tragedy triggered an outpouring of grief from around the world, with President Ruto alluding to the fatal accident in his remarks.

"We all need to be mindful of our lifestyles so that we can avoid scenarios like this where a young Kenyan has lost his life. We should do more so that we mentor these young athletes to become great sportsmen," Ruto said.

"Older sportsmen should do more to assist the younger ones to assist them to be better athletes and Kenyans. We shall do our part," he added.

The Kenyan leader promised three stadiums - Eldoret, Kamariny, and Chepkorio - would be refurbished to give athletes from the region training facilities from the consolidated Sports Fund.

The funeral service was also attended by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, Nike vice-president Brett Holts, his management Golazo Sports CEO Bob Veerbeck, and his fellow Kenyan world beaters.

"It's one of the saddest days in the history of this country. It's a celebration suffused in frustration because Kelvin would have written more chapters in the history of athletics, this I know. Kelvin you will be missed. Our grief and sadness will take time to dissipate," Coe told the mourners.

"Kiptum was a generational athlete. He taught us humility and hard work are the recipes of success. After winning in Chicago, I remember him telling me, I'm yet to feel any pain in a marathon," Holts said.

The Nike boss was famously pictured hugging Kiptum tightly just after the finish when the late athlete ran 2:00:35 to obliterate the previous world record by 34 seconds in October 2023

Among the constellation of champion athletes present included record holders, Olympic champions, and world champions - past and present.

David Rudisha, Faith Kipyegon, Mary Moraa, Ezekiel Kemboi, Daniel Komen, Julius Yego, Wilfred Bungei, Milcah Chemos, Conseslus Kipruto, Benjamin Limo, Abel Kirui, Duncan Kibet and Amos Kipruto were among the top athletes in attendance.

Tanzanian marathoner Gabriel Gaey, who finished second to Kiptum in his breakout marathon victory in Valencia where he ran 2:01:53 in December 2022, was also present and gave a moving testimony.

A poignant moment during the four-hour-long service saw all the athletes present kneel down for special prayers.

They then moved to the catafalque containing Kiptum's open casket with petals in their hands before pouring the flowers to their departed colleague.

"A world record holder who never lived to enjoy his exploits. It was barely a week after you ratified his world record," Javelin silver winner Julius Yego said.

"In respect to Kiptum, because he had dreams of supporting talent in this place, he walked barefoot to go and train in Eldoret. We request you start a training facility and name it after him," Yego, the Beijing 2015 world men's Javelin champion, said.

"A little recognition and support. We do not have a training facility. If he had security and a driver, maybe we could have saved him."

"We don't have many world record holders to give them security and drivers. It won't cost much," the Rio 2016 Olympics silver medalist added.

Kiptum leaves behind his widow, Cheruto, and two children - son Caleb and daughter Precious.

"I will miss you and the love of my life forever. I promise to stand strong for our children. I will make them smile in your honor," the distraught widow told mourners.

Following the service, Kiptum's body was taken some 20km to his final resting place in Naiberi where the government constructed two homes - for his father Stanley Chelimo, and his widow in seven days. Enditem

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