Eliud Kipsang, Record-Holding Runner, Dies at 28

Puyallup, WA

Eliud Kipsang, the former NCAA record holder for the 1500 meters, has died at the age of 28. A spokesperson for the University of Alabama confirmed his passing to CITIUS MAG. Kipsang suffered a cardiac arrest on June 6, 2025, and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite extensive medical efforts, he passed away on June 10.

The news of Kipsang’s death has left his family, friends, and teammates heartbroken. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses. “It is with profound sadness that we share this heartbreaking news,” the spokesperson said.

Kipsang made headlines in April 2022 when he set the collegiate record for the men’s 1500m at the Bryan Clay Invitational with a time of 3:33.74. His record remained unbeaten until it was surpassed this season by Villanova’s Liam Murphy. Kipsang now ranks fifth on the NCAA Outdoor 1500m list.

His most notable NCAA Championship finishes include a runner-up finish in the 2021 NCAA Indoor mile and a fourth-place finish in the 2021 NCAA Outdoor 1500m. He moved to Colorado in December 2023 to join Tinman Elite but only competed once professionally for the team.

Born in Kapsang, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, on September 9, 1996, Kipsang displayed exceptional talent in athletics from a young age. He represented his country in the Africa Championship in 2019 before continuing his career in the United States.

After a successful collegiate career at the University of Alabama from 2020 to 2023, Kipsang turned professional and signed with Adidas. His passing comes just months after the tragic death of another young Kenyan athlete in a car accident in the U.S., adding to the sorrow in the athletics community.

Tributes are pouring in as friends remember Kipsang as an exceptional athlete and a remarkable individual. His contributions to the sport and his legacy in middle-distance running will not be forgotten.