The procession for the marathon world record holder departed a morgue in the western Kenyan city of Eldoret on Thursday (February 22).

Twenty-four year-old Kiptum was killed in a car crash alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana earlier this month.

He lost control of the vehicle he was driving and crashed into a tree in Kenya's Rift Valley.

The pathologist's report said he died of head injuries.

Kiptum had only run three marathons but each was among the fastest seven times ever recorded.

In October last year, he set the world record at the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.

He had hoped to break two hours in Rotterdam this April, and was expected to make his Olympic debut in Paris.

The casket will travel about 80 km (50 miles) on its way from Eldoret to Chepsamo, where Kiptum worked as a livestock herder before becoming a professional runner.

Kiptum is survived by his wife and two young children.

He will be buried on Friday (February 23).