When Kelvin Kiptum lined-up for his first major local competition in 2018, Kenya's new marathon icon did it in borrowed running shoes, because he could not afford a pair of his own.When Kelvin Kiptum lined-up for his first major local competition in 2018, Kenya’s new marathon icon did it in borrowed running shoes, because he could not afford a pair of his own.
The London Marathon champion, who at times looked embarrassed by the attention from family, friends, government officials and the media, says he almost cancelled his trip to Chicago, one of the world’s leading marathons. The relationship as coach and athlete began in 2018 but the pair first met when the world record holder was much younger.
According to Hakizimana, Kiptum needed time to warm up to the idea of running a marathon, which he initially thought might be too tough. “The level of fearlessness that Kiptum portrays in his race is what is needed to rise to the top,” Keino told BBC Sport Africa. “That period was very hard for me because I trained for four years, yet there were no successes and they were disappointed in me. But I kept on pushing.”
“I suggested to him that he slow down the pace, but he doesn’t want to. So I told him that in five years he’ll be done – and that he needs to calm down to last in athletics.” “As Eliud winds up his career,” said Keino, “we are now seeing the future of marathon racing here in Kenya.”
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