Kenya’s Marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum dies in road accident at 24

The athletics world went into sorrow on Sunday as Kenya’s marathon star, Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach met with a tragic accident in the Rift Valley, resulting in the deaths of both. Notably, the 24-year-old held the prestigious title of marathon world record holder, making his untimely passing a profound loss for the sports community. He aspired to break the two-hour barrier under race conditions and make his Olympic debut in Paris, having secured three of the seven fastest marathon times.

The news of Kelvin Kiptum’s tragic demise reverberated shockwaves throughout the athletics world, eliciting heartfelt condolences from prominent figures such as World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and other dignitaries. Coe paid tribute to Kiptum as an extraordinary athlete who leaves behind an indelible legacy, expressing profound sorrow at the untimely loss.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

Kelvin Kiptum made headlines in 2019 by accomplishing two half-marathons in quick succession

“The car had three occupants, two died on the spot, while one was taken to hospital. The two are Kiptum and his coach. It is Kiptum who was driving heading to Eldoret and the vehicle lost control and rolled, killing the two on the spot. However, a female passenger sustained injuries and has been rushed to hospital,” said Peter Mulinge, police commander for Elgeyo Marakwet County in western Kenya where the accident occurred.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Kiptum made headlines in 2019 by accomplishing two half-marathons in quick succession, recording a time of 60:48 in Copenhagen and an impressive 59:53 in Belfort, France. Notably, his partnership with coach Hakizimana commenced around this period, and however, the coach remained in Kenya even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.