Kenyan marathon world record holder dies in road accident

February 12, 2024 1

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The world record holder for the men’s marathon Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident in his home country Kenya.

The 24 year- old was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana, in a car on a road in western Kenya.

Kiptum made a breakthrough in 2023 as a rival to compatriot Eliud Kipchoge – one of the greatest marathon runners.

And it was in Chicago last October that Kiptum bettered Kipchoge’s achievement, clocking the 26.1 miles (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds.

The two athletes had been named in Kenya’s provisional marathon team for the Paris Olympics later this year.

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Paying tribute to Kiptum, Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba wrote on X: “Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”

Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.. pic.twitter.com/URgLeeop1t

— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) February 11, 2024

Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, said the country had lost “a true hero” and was mourning “a remarkable individual… and Kenyan athletics icon”.

Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1Dmgyyhsk4

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 11, 2024

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, said Kiptum was “an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly”.

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.

It was only earlier this week in… pic.twitter.com/dDBKgjXNKL

— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 11, 2024