Tadesse Abraham dedicates his Barcelona Marathon win to Kelvin Kiptum

The new Switzerland marathon National Record holder Tadesse Abraham has dedicated his Zurich Barcelona Marathon win to the late World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who passed away last month through a tragic road accident.

Abraham who was the oldest athlete on the entry list (41 years), smashed the old course record of 2:05.06 that had been set last year by Kenyan born Bahraini Marius Kimutai, with a new course time of 2:05.01 and immediately dedicated the title to the fallen hero.

The 2016 European Half Marathon Champion dedicated his win to the fallen Kenyan and world marathon hero who died at a young age of 24 years.

“I thought a lot about him Kiptum, He motivated me a lot today as I ran and this win is his win,” said Tadesse.

Kiptum’s untimely death also claimed the life of his Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

Abraham beat Collins Kipkirui Kipkorir from Kenya who was making his debut over the distance to second place in 2:06.43 with his compatriot Edmond Kipngetich sealing the podium in 2:07.19.