Kenyan Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Car Accident at 24

The marathon world is mourning the untimely death of Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder in marathon running, who tragically passed away at the age of 24 in a car accident in Kenya. Kiptum, a leading contender for the Olympic title at the Paris Olympics this summer, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the sport.

The accident occurred around 11 p.m. local time in the Elgeyo Marakwet county of Kenya. Kiptum was driving with two other occupants, including his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who also lost his life in the crash. According to authorities, Kiptum lost control of the vehicle while driving towards Eldoret. One passenger sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana were returning to their training camp when the tragic accident happened, as confirmed by Kiptum’s agent, former Belgian athlete Marc Corstjens, who announced the “sad news” on Instagram.

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Kiptum’s potential was extraordinary. In October last year, he made headlines by breaking the marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 35 seconds, surpassing his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s record by 34 seconds. This remarkable feat came only in his third marathon. Prior to that, he won the Valencia Marathon in 2022 and the London Marathon in 2023.

Known for his slender frame and powerful stride, Kiptum’s dedication to training was unparalleled. He regularly ran over 250 kilometers per week, sometimes exceeding 300 kilometers, a rare feat even among elite athletes. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, recalled how Kiptum would join hill training sessions barefoot after tending to goats and sheep near his home in 2013, before he had even started serious running.

The news of Kiptum’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the athletic community worldwide. Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, hailed Kiptum as “an extraordinary athlete who leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.”

World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a road traffic accident on Sunday at the age of 24.

Obit: 🔗 https://t.co/0CF1NbAzgw pic.twitter.com/TgWepi0cok

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 11, 2024

David Rudisha, the Kenyan double Olympic champion in the 800 meters, expressed his shock and deep sadness at Kiptum’s passing. The Kenyan Athletics Federation and the organizers of the six major marathons, including Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo, also expressed their profound sorrow at the news.

Kelvin Kiptum’s death is a significant loss to the sports world, robbing it of a promising talent and a favorite for the upcoming Paris Olympics. As the athletic community mourns his passing, his memory will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.