Kenya’s Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Tragic Car Accident

Kenya’s athletics community mourns the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum, the renowned marathon world record holder, and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who lost their lives in a devastating car accident in western Kenya.

Kiptum, a rising star who set the world record in the men’s marathon last year by surpassing the achievement of Eliud Kipchoge, was a promising talent set to represent Kenya at the Paris Olympics.

Expressions of shock and sorrow poured in from prominent figures like Raila Odinga and Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, as news of the fatal crash unfolded late Sunday night between Eldoret and Kaptagat.

The accident also involved a third passenger, Milcah Chemos, who sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Kiptum’s astounding feat of completing the marathon in under two hours had brought him international acclaim and admiration. His record-breaking performance in Chicago last October solidified his position as a world-class marathon runner.

Despite his relatively short career in professional running, Kiptum’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings, including running in borrowed shoes during his early days in the sport, captured the hearts of many enthusiasts.

Hakizimana, Kiptum’s coach and mentor, played a pivotal role in shaping the young athlete’s career, guiding him to surpass milestones and achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.

The tragic loss marks another devastating blow to Kenya’s athletics community, which has seen the untimely deaths of several iconic figures, including David Lelei, Francis Kiplagat, and Nicholas Bett, in previous years.

Kenya, known for its rich tradition of producing world-class runners, is now united in grief as it remembers Kelvin Kiptum’s remarkable legacy and contributions to the sport of marathon running.