World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, along with his coach, mourned after fatal road accident.
Police reported that the 24-year-old, who clinched victory in the London Marathon in April and then set a world record in Chicago in October, lost control of his vehicle while driving in Kaptagat, southwestern Kenya, around 11pm local time.
The crash also claimed the life of his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, with reports indicating that a third individual was rushed to the hospital.
Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, expressed condolences, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Heartbreaking news as we mourn the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, a remarkable individual, world record holder, and icon of Kenyan athletics. Alongside his coach, they tragically lost their lives in an accident tonight. Our nation mourns the deep loss of a genuine hero.”
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Ababu Namwamba, echoed these sentiments on X, remarking, “Absolutely devastating! Kenya has lost an exceptional gem. Words fail to convey the sorrow.”
Meanwhile, Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, expressed his profound sorrow, stating he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the tragic loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana. “An extraordinary athlete leaving behind an extraordinary legacy, he will be greatly missed,” Coe added.
According to local county commander Peter Mulinge, as reported by the Nation newspaper, Kiptum lost control of his vehicle, colliding with a tree before veering into a ditch.
This was a single-vehicle accident involving Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, who was driving with two passengers,” Mulinge explained. “Kiptum and Hakizimana succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the third individual was hurried to Racecourse hospital in Eldoret.
Just last week, Kiptum’s world record time of 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 35 seconds, which surpassed Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record by 34 seconds, was officially recognized by World Athletics. Additionally, he had unveiled his intention to be the inaugural athlete to complete an official marathon in under two hours, scheduled for Rotterdam in April.
