Two years after the world lost marathon legend Kelvin Kiptum, the pain is still very real for those closest to him. His baby mama, Edna Awuor, offered a glimpse into that grief with a deeply personal post that has touched many who follow her online.
Edna, who is currently pursuing a medical degree, shared a photo of herself dressed in a t-shirt bearing a printed image of the late long-distance runner.
The caption she chose was brief but loaded with emotion: “Years, since you left.”
The words say a lot without spelling everything out. For followers who have watched Edna navigate life as a single mother and student since Kiptum’s death, the post served as a quiet but powerful reminder that loss does not follow a timeline.
Who was Kelvin Kiptum?
Kiptum was one of the most exciting names in global athletics before his life was cut tragically short. The Kenyan runner set the marathon world record in Chicago in October 2023, clocking 2:00:35 to become the fastest marathon runner in history. He was just 24 years old at the time.
He died in a road accident in February 2024 alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. The crash happened in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County, and sent shockwaves through Kenya and the wider athletics community around the world.
The marathoner left behind three children: two he sired with his wife, Asenath, and one with his baby mama, Edna.
Edna’s quiet tribute to Kelvin
Kiptum While much of the public mourning for Kiptum happened in the weeks immediately following his death, Edna’s post is a reminder that grief is ongoing, particularly for those who shared a personal bond with him.
As the mother of his child and someone who knew him beyond the track, her tribute carries a different kind of weight. Choosing to wear a t-shirt with his face on it is an intimate gesture, one that speaks to how she is keeping his memory alive in her everyday life.
She did not elaborate further on what prompted the post, but the image and the words left little doubt about the emotions behind it.
The mother of one’s followers comforted her, and below are their comments:
Gladie said:
“You loved marathoner genuinely. It is well.”
Chirry said:
“Ni uchungu but God yupo.”
