The late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was Wednesday inducted into the Talanta Hall of Fame by the Ministry of Sports at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi.

The ceremony was presided over by the Sports CS Ababu Namwamba who honoured the late marathoner as a ‘legend who brought much honour to Kenya’.

“While we have all these legends here, this is the first induction ever to be done. We have never formally inducted anyone, but Kelvin becomes one of the legends to be formally inducted into this Hall of Fame,” Namwamba said.

Namwamba acknowledged that Kiptum was celebrated in life and will also be celebrated posthumously.

“As we said when laying him to rest, Kiptum was celebrated both in life and in his death. This will remain a lasting symbol to his credible achievement," he added.

The induction followed a meeting which was held between the CS and the families of Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana

The late marathoner was also honoured early this month when he was crowned the 2023 Sportsman of the Year Award at the 20th edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA).

Athletics Kenya Nairobi branch chairman Barnabas Korir said the induction of Kenya’s iconic legends was the first sign the government was ready to recognize its sportspeople.

“I want to thank the ministry for such an idea and the changes that we have seen in the management of sports and the idea of Talanta Hela which has given our athletes an opportunity to benefit from their talents,” said Korir, who represented AK president Jackson Tuwei at the event.

Others present in the ceremony included the families of the late Kiptum and his coach, and legislators Gideon Kimaiyo of Keiyo South and Teso’s South Mary Emase.

Kiptum perished together with his Rwandese coach Hakizimana in a tragic road accident on February 11.