Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has tragically died in a traffic accident at the age of just 24.
Kiptum, who had taken the long-distance running world by storm in recent years, was killed alongside coach Gervais Hakizimana on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road in Kenya.
The shocking news of Kiptum’s death was confirmed by his family and tributes have already been pouring in for the young Kenyan, who ran the the 2023 Chicago Marathon in 2:00:35 to secure the world record.
‘Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon,’ former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight.
‘My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.’
Kiptum’s world record was only ratified last week by World Athletics and he was picked in the Kenyan team for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
‘This was a self-involved accident where one Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, was driving his vehicle with two passengers,’ Kenya Police said.
‘Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot and the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret.’
The third person has been identified as Sharon Kosgey, who escaped with serious injuries.
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