Kelvin Kiptum: From borrowing shoes to breaking world records

BBC Online :
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.

At this month’s Chicago marathon, as he set an awe-inspiring world record of two hours and 35 seconds, times really were changing as he sported the latest in Nike’s array of ‘super-shoes’ – which some say helped him achieve his feat.

As the 23-year-old flies across the world’s toughest courses, the story of his rise in marathon running is just as incredible as the strides he takes.

“It has been a long journey for me through my career,” the Men’s World Athlete of the Year nominee, as proposed by governing body World Athletics, told BBC Sport Africa.

“I have been trying so hard to pursue this dream to run a world record.

“It has come true and I am really happy.

My life has now changed.”

Kiptum’s reception upon his return to Kenya testified to his new-found celebrity status.

The hero’s welcome began two days of celebrations, moving from the capital, Nairobi, to his home in the south-west of the country.