Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum’s rapid ascent in the marathon world has been overshadowed by controversy following accusations of violating a sponsorship contract with the Chinese sportswear brand Qiaodon.
The issue emerged after Kiptum’s impressive victory at the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon in 2022, where he achieved the third-best marathon time in history, attracting significant attention from potential sponsors.
Qiaodon, eager to leverage Kiptum’s success, reportedly presented him with a lucrative deal exceeding Sh15 million, covering apparel and equipment sponsorship. The agreement, finalized on January 15, 2023, marked the beginning of what appeared to be a mutually beneficial partnership.
However, tensions escalated when Kiptum, amidst preparations for the prestigious London Marathon, mysteriously disappeared just days before the event. Qiaodon representatives, who had traveled to Kenya to support their sponsored athlete, were unable to contact Kiptum, raising doubts about his commitment to the sponsorship deal.
The situation took a drastic turn when, during the London Marathon, Kiptum appeared wearing Nike apparel, contradicting his contractual obligations with Qiaodon. Understandably disappointed by Kiptum’s actions, Qiaodon is reportedly considering legal action against the Kenyan athlete.
This breach of contract not only jeopardized the significant financial investment made by the Chinese sportswear brand but also damaged their reputation within the industry.
