Monday, February 12, 2024 - The world is mourning the death of a Kenyan long-distance runner and the marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum who passed away in a road accident in Kenya on Sunday night.
“Kelvin Kiptum was a star,” said Kenya’s president William Ruto in
a statement, adding, “Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke
barriers to secure a marathon record.”
Kiptum was the only person in history to run the marathon under
two hours and one minute in a record-eligible race. He ran three of the seven
fastest marathons in history.
“He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago,
London and in other top competitions,” said Ruto, emphasising, “His mental
strength and discipline were unmatched.”
Media reports indicated that Kiptum was driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret around 11:00 pm on Sunday when the car rolled, killing the sports star and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana. “The car had three occupants, two died on the spot, while one was taken to hospital. The two are Kiptum and his coach,” said Peter Mulinge, police commander for Elgeyo Marakwet County in western Kenya where the accident occurred.
The President of the World
Athletics, Sebastian Coe, observed: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to
learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais
Hakizimana.”
He added: “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.”
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