Kiptum, aged 24, tragically passed away on February 11, shortly after setting a new world marathon record.

Hundreds of individuals congregated in Eldoret, Kenya's athletics hub, to pay tribute to marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a car crash earlier this month.

On Thursday, in the Rift Valley town of western Kenya, his casket, adorned with flowers, was solemnly transported through the streets in a hearse. Some observers stood in silence, while others sang hymns as the procession passed by.

At the age of 24, Kelvin Kiptum tragically lost his life on February 11, mere months after shattering the world marathon record.

"It's hard to come to terms with this tragedy. His passing leaves a significant void in Kenyan athletics," expressed Barnaba Korir, a member of the Athletics Kenya executive committee.

The procession wound its way through roads flanked by fans and fellow athletes as it made its way towards Iten, a renowned high-altitude training area for athletes.

"As the coffin was placed into the black hearse, we must come to terms with the reality that Kiptum is no longer with us," remarked cleric Philip Chumo.

According to police reports, Kiptum's fatal accident occurred near Eldoret around 11:00 p.m. (2000 GMT) when his vehicle swerved off the road, colliding with a tree after landing in a ditch.

Tragically, his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, 36, also lost his life in the accident, while another passenger, a woman, sustained injuries.

Kiptum made a remarkable entrance onto the marathon stage in 2022, clinching the world record in Chicago in October of the previous year.

Clocking in at two hours and 35 seconds, he slashed 34 seconds off the previous record, held by Kenyan marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge.

Despite his brief career, Kiptum's impressive performances placed him among the all-time top seven fastest marathon runners, with just three races under his belt.

He was anticipated to vie for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics, where an eagerly awaited showdown with Kipchoge was expected.

A married father of two, Kiptum will be laid to rest on Friday at his residence in Chepkorio, Eldoret.