Kenyan runner credits Vietnam race prizes for improving family's financial situation

Kiptoo, who returned to Vietnam last week to continue competing, dominated the country's marathon circuit in 2023 and early 2024. He secured wins in at least seven races, earning prize money amounting to hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong (VND100 million = US$3,900). These earnings have enabled Kiptoo to support his family in Kenya and invest in property.

"After some calculation, my wife and I decided to buy a piece of land near home for farming and future plans," Kiptoo shared. "I had never thought of buying land before, but after a year of hard work, it became a reality." The land is located on the outskirts of Eldoret City, Kenya.

Edwin Kiptoo secures victory at the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2024. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Formerly a teacher in Kenya, Kiptoo turned to professional running in 2019 due to insufficient income to support his family. He has since been based with a group of fellow Kenyan runners in Malaysia, traveling primarily within Southeast Asia to compete for prize money.

Kiptoo's first race in Vietnam was in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2023. Arriving with limited funds, he received assistance from a local contact to participate, ultimately winning the event with a time of 2 hours and 27 minutes.

Vietnam became a primary focus for Kiptoo in 2024.

His success included dominant performances across races in Da Nang, Hanoi, Hue (VnExpress Marathon), and Quy Nhon within a short period. At one point, Kiptoo's earnings reached approximately $3,000 over three weeks, a significant sum compared to average incomes in Kenya. Kenya's GDP per capita stood at $1,950 in 2023, according to data from Trading Economics. His strong performances also led to ambassadorship opportunities with regional brands.

His undefeated streak in Vietnam was broken last November when veteran Vietnamese runner Nguyen Van Lai outperformed him at the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight.

The financial stability Kiptoo gained from running in Vietnam has led to improvements in his life back home. He has helped his wife expand her clothing business, and his daughter now attends a better school. "Now that life is a bit more comfortable, our family has more time together and no longer has to struggle daily just to make ends meet," he said.

Edwin Kiptoo (L) competes alongside Vietnamese runner Nguyen Van Lai during the final stages of the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Despite his recognition in Vietnam's running community, Kiptoo remains relatively unknown in his home country. "Everyone runs in Kenya. Winning a few races abroad is quite normal," he said. "Many people there compete in major events in Europe, where competition is tougher, and results like mine are nothing extraordinary."

Kenya is globally recognized for its dominance in marathon running, with regions like Iten and Eldoret producing numerous world-class athletes. Factors such as high altitude (approximately 2,400 meters), clean air, and cultural elements contribute to the perception that Kenyans are "born to run."

"In Kenya, running is like a part of daily life," Kiptoo said. "Anyone with passion and persistence can become a marathoner. That's why whenever I return to Kenya, I always feel the pressure to maintain my form and keep improving."

Kiptoo is scheduled to compete in the VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star on April 20. This race offers the highest prize money for a marathon champion in Vietnam, exceeding VND105 million ($4,060), and will feature an elite field, presenting a significant challenge to Kiptoo's recent dominance.

"I'm happy to be back in Vietnam. The All-Star race is a big opportunity—not just for the prize but also for the prestige," Kiptoo said. "I'll pace myself and focus on physical preparation to perform at my best."

The VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star is the first marathon in Vietnam requiring athletes to meet qualifying standards (sub-4 hours for men's 42 km, sub-5 for women's 42 km; sub-2 hours for men's 21 km, sub-2:30 for women's 21 km). Organizers aim to create a unique competitive platform and contribute to the growth of the running movement in Vietnam.

The event is organized by VnExpress online newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, with Volvo Car Vietnam as the official partner.

Lan Anh