Edwin Yebei Kiptoo trains in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of Kiptoo

By Thanh Nga

Edwin Yebei Kiptoo, a marathon runner from Kenya, has seized the opportunity to improve his family’s situation through his victories in running events in Việt Nam.

With a series of titles and significant prize money, Kiptoo has not only transformed his family's life, but has also laid the groundwork for long-term plans, inspiring many with his perseverance and passion for running.

Kiptoo has faced little competition in Vietnamese marathons. Last year, he won at least seven races and earned considerable prize money. Just this month, he won the Lazada Run and placed second in the 21km category at the VnExpress Marathon Đà Nẵng.

He said that the rewards from running events allow him to provide for his wife and daughter back home, and he has also set aside money to invest in land for a stable future.

Edwin Yebei Kiptoo at the finish line of the Lazada Run on July 13. — Photo courtesy of Kiptoo

“I feel great when I receive large bonuses from races in Việt Nam. I used this money to purchase a piece of land in my homeland,” Kiptoo told Việt Nam News and Law. “When I earn money from running, my living standard improves.”

Kiptoo had never before been able to buy land. But after all his hard work, that dream became a reality. Born in 1987 in Eldoret, Kenya, Kiptoo was once a teacher, but his income was insufficient to support his family. In 2019, he decided to pursue a professional marathon running career, seeking prize money from tournaments in Southeast Asia.

In December 2023, Kiptoo arrived in Việt Nam for the first time to compete in the 2023 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon, armed with very little money — barely enough to rent a room. Thanks to the kindness of a Vietnamese friend, he won the tournament with a time of two hours and 27 minutes, marking his first victory abroad.

“Vietnamese people are full of hospitality and kindness. The first person I want to mention is Lê Hoàn, whom I met during the 2023 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon. He helped me find a hotel when I didn’t have enough money at the time,” Kiptoo said.

Edwin Yebei Kiptoo and his Vietnamese friends. — Photo courtesy of Kiptoo

“The race itself wasn’t the only remarkable aspect of that trip. It was my first time in Việt Nam, and I had no knowledge of the local currency or directions. Lost in the streets of HCM City, I started to feel overwhelmed.

"That’s when I met Hoàn, whose kindness transformed my entire experience. He not only guided me through the city, but also welcomed me to his home for a warm meal. Afterward, he ensured I had a place to stay, booking me a hotel close to the race start. His gesture reminded me that running, while personal, is also about the people you meet and the bonds you form along the way.”

By 2024, Kiptoo had earned the title of 'marathon king' in Việt Nam, raking in about US$3,000 in just three weeks of competing — a significant amount compared to the average income in Kenya. Beyond prize money, he has been invited by local brands to represent them, further increasing his income and enabling him to support his family in Kenya, as well as helping his wife expand her clothing business.

Kiptoo poses with his bib number at the VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star 2025 race. — Photo VM

Passion for running

Growing up in the expansive African savannah at the foot of the Great Rift Valley, running was an integral part of Kiptoo’s life. His daily routine revolved around running — not for sport, but out of necessity. His school was six kilometres from his home, and he would run there in the morning, return home for lunch and rush back, totalling over 24km each day.

For Kiptoo, running was a way of life, instilling not only physical endurance but also the mental strength to overcome adversity. This passion followed him as he grew older. From 2010 to 2013, he ran with purpose, aiming for a scholarship, training hard and seeking opportunities to elevate his future.

However, between 2014 and 2016, he experienced an 'on-again, off-again' phase, marked by inconsistent training and self-doubt. In 2018, he decided it was time to get serious, diving into rigorous training. By 2019, he took a significant step forward by competing in his first international race abroad.

Then came 2020. Like the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a standstill. Races were cancelled, and his plans were put on hold. However, in 2021, as the world began to reopen, he renewed his commitment to serious training. By 2023, he had not only participated in more races abroad, but was also starting to see the rewards of his hard work.

Despite his fame in Việt Nam, Kiptoo remains humble when reflecting on his journey back home: “In Kenya, everyone runs. Winning a few international races is normal because people often aim for bigger competitions in Europe, which are much more competitive.”

Kiptoo and Hoàng Nguyên Thanh, one of the fastest marathon runners in Việt Nam, seen at the VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star 2025 race. — Photo VM

Kenya is a powerhouse of running, thanks to its favourable climate and high altitude above 2,000m. As a result, the culture of running is deeply ingrained in the lives of its people.

Kiptoo symbolises personal success and exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. He is grateful to be in Việt Nam, a place that not only offers financial opportunities, but also allows him to showcase his talent.

“Races in Việt Nam are well organised, from race pack collection to the race itself and afterward. Việt Nam is a powerhouse of athletics. Vietnamese runners are stronger compared to those from other Asian countries in races I have attended. I’m happy to see Vietnamese athletes prosper, and I’m even happier when they outshine me during the race,” Kiptoo said.

Kiptoo has also expressed his love for Việt Nam and its people, stating that phở and bánh mì are delicious and have given him unforgettable experiences in this lovely country.

“Actually, Việt Nam is my second home. When I’m in Việt Nam, I feel at home away from home,” Kiptoo said. VNS