Men’s marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya has been confirmed dead in a road accident that happened in western Kenya on Sunday.
Kiptum bettered Eliud Kipchoge’s record to set a new world lead time of 2 hours and 35 seconds in Chicago Marathon last October.
Kiptum’s car was the only one involved in the crash after it veered off the road around 11pm (Kenyan time) on Sunday night.
A police statement confirmed that he was driving a car that hit a big tree after losing control and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana was also feared dead in the accident.
World Athletics expressed shock at the news with President Seb Coe describing the death of 24-year-old Kiptum as devastating while Kenya President, William Ruto paid tribute to Kiptum as a star for the future.
Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.
He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum… pic.twitter.com/Ff7nild1CG
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 12, 2024
Coe tweeted: “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 Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
We are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum at the age of 24.
He ran three of the fastest seven recorded times for the marathon distance.https://t.co/iEQ6YyIne5
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) February 12, 2024
I’m so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my… pic.twitter.com/bNXJA1FgBL
— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) February 12, 2024
Kiptum recorded the fastest time ever in a marathon debut after finishing the 2022 Valencia Marathon in 2 hours, one minute and 53 seconds.
He bettered the time in April 2023 after finishing the London Marathon in 2 hours, one minute and 24 seconds before setting a new world record in the men’s marathon in Chicago.
