A dream cut short: Kiptum's aim to break two-hour barrier at Rotterdam Marathon

Kelvin Kiptum speaks during his homecoming celebration in Iten town, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on October 11, 2023. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

For Kelvin Kiptum, the chase for a special place in athletics history books began after his 2:00:35 World Record set last year in Chicago was ratified on Tuesday, February 6.

With the ratification of the men's marathon world record, Kiptum - who had been sensational since his jaw-dropping win at the 2022 Valencia Marathon - was fired up for a sub-two-hour achievement under legal conditions in 42.129km.