The world is mourning the sudden death of the reigning Kenyan world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Garvis Hakizimana, in a horrific road accident.
According to police reports, the tragic road crash occurred at around 11pm at Kaptagat area along Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road where Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot due to the impact of the self-involved accident.
Kiptum rose to prominence in the world of athletics after registering the fastest marathon debut in Valencia in 2022.
The 24-year-old star continued to rise in 2023 when he conquered the London Marathon with a course record of 2:01:25 in April.
It was however in October when Kiptum made headlines after he shattered the men’s world record by clocking 2:00:35, to become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours and one minute, and taking 34 seconds off fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record.
Kiptum’s world marathon mark was ratified just last week by the international track federation World Athletics, and was preparing to open his new season at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year before joining the Kenyan team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
World Athletics president Sebastian 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.”
By Matildah Obaigwa
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