The international athletics governing body, World Athletics, has ratified the historic world record set by long-distance Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum.

Last October, Kiptum made headlines by setting the fastest marathon time in history.

He completed the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds, shaving 34 seconds off the previous record held by elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge.

The ratification of Kiptum's record by World Athletics means the governing body now acknowledges it as accurate and compliant with sporting rules and regulations.

The 24-year-old is aiming to make history again in April by becoming the first person to run an official marathon in under two hours when he competes at the Rotterdam Marathon in the Netherlands.