Joyous father of Kipketer siblings hails Chicago Marathon success

On Sunday, Paul Kipketer Kiplagat watched the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with keener interest than most as the father of siblings who were gunning for glory in the men and women elite races.

His children, Gideon and Valentine Kipketer distinguished themselves after they both finished third to spark off celebrations in the tiny village of Kapkitony as the former cook led celebrations.

“It is a fruit of fervent spirit, sacrifice and perseverance for them to achieve the feat they have done to us a family and the community”, Kiplagat told Chamgei FM at their home.

Gideon clocked 2:12:20 to round the podium in the men’s showdown with his sister following suit in the corresponding women’s event moments later in 2:23:41 at the World Marathon Majors event where Kenya swept both races.

Kipketer said that he met his wife Christine at a local athletics meet and worked for 25 years as a cook at a high school to support his children who had shown early signs of running despite their status being just struggling family.

“We are elated as a family for the success our children. They have brought us from rags to riches and we are able to live comfortably as well as support their siblings,” the joyous dad said.

However, it has not been smooth sailing for the family since they have had to borrow money to facilitate their travels to races and national trials.

Cuddling his granddaughter with pride, Christine Kipketer could not hide her joy saying that she nearly collapsed from her children’s stellar performance as they watched the race unfold on television.

Kapkitony Athletics Club coach William Kiplagat, an uncle to Chicago women’s champion Florence Kiplagat who trains the duo said he was not stunned by their showing.

He lauded their results saying they had raised the spirits of their training partners who lack facilities for speed work.

“I expected Gideon to win but since he is used to fast speeds, the slow pace finished him and I think he was overconfident and that’s why he lost the top position, nevertheless, we believe they are now moving to the big league”, the coach expressed.

James Kiplagat Kosgei who is a pacemaker for Valentine at their camp underscored he was full of expectation given the amount of good training she had put in.

Gideon won the Mumbai Marathon in January with 2:08:35 while Valentine was fifth at the Boston Marathon in April where she stopped the timer at 2:33:13.