- Kelvin Kiptum, London Marathon champion, dies
- Killed in tragic car crash
- World Athletics community mourns loss
In the previous year, Kiptum completed the Chicago Marathon in under two hours and thirty-five seconds, setting a new men’s world record. The World Athletics, an international track federation, officially recognised his record last week.
Kelvin Kiptum, the London Marathon champion and current world marathon record holder, and his coach were both killed in a vehicle accident, according to the former Prime Minister of Kenya.
Last year, the 24-year-old won the London Marathon.
His coach also died in the collision, according to Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos, who was present at the hospital for the removal of the bodies.
She stated that the collision occurred on a road connecting two communities in western Kenya, in a high-altitude area known for being a training ground for long-distance runners.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his sorrow on X: “Devastating news as we lament the loss of a remarkable individual, Kenyan athletics icon and World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum. Both he and his coach lost their lives in a tragic accident this evening.
“My deepest condolences go to the athletics fraternity, his loved ones, and his colleagues”.
The nation mourns the tragic demise of an authentic icon.
Last year, Kiptum set a new course record at the London Marathon, crossing the finish line in two hours, one minute, and twenty-five seconds to win the men’s division in the second-fastest marathon in history.
He outpaced fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge to win the Chicago Marathon in two hours and thirty-five seconds the previous year, breaking the men’s world record.
The World Athletics, an international track federation, officially recognised his record last week.
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The President of the World Athletics Federation, Sebastian Coe, expressed his profound sorrow and astonishment upon learning of the tragic demise of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in a tweet.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the nation of Kenya on behalf of the entire World Athletics community.
“It was only earlier this week that I formally validated Kelvin’s historic performance at the marathon World Record, which he set in Chicago. We will dearly miss him as he leaves behind an extraordinary athletic legacy.
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