Abdi Nageeye, the 2024 NN Rotterdam champion and a Dutch citizen, achieved a time of 2:04.45, setting a new national record for his country. The victory was dedicated to Kelvin Kiptum, the late world record holder who tragically passed away in a car accident two months prior in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.

Nageeye disclosed that his goal was to win the race in honor of Kiptum, expressing that Kiptum was in his thoughts throughout the race. He elaborated on the strategy he devised to secure the win, emphasizing the importance of winning for Kaptagat and Kiptum.

These sentiments were echoed in a statement to Nation, where Nageeye expressed feeling a sense of belonging to Kenya for the first time. During the race, Nageeye executed a well-calculated performance and claimed the title with a time of 2:04.45, finishing ahead of Amedework Walelegn of Ethiopia, who crossed the line in 2:04.50, and Birhanu Legese, also from Ethiopia, who completed the podium with a time of 2:05.16.

On the women’s side, Ashete Bekere of Ethiopia clinched the title in 2:19.30, followed by the Kenyan duo of Viola Kibiwott (2:20.57) and Selly Chepyego (2:22.46). Speaking after the race, Viola Kibiwott mentioned that her performance was dedicated to Kiptum’s memory.

She recalled his ambition to lower his world record in Rotterdam and expressed pride in the efforts made by the runners to honor his name.