Kelvin Kiptum Dies Two Months Before Attempting World Record
Kelvin Kiptum, the current world marathon record holder, tragically passed away on Monday, February 12, in a road accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.
At the age of 24, the renowned athlete passed away just two months before his ambitious goal of becoming the first person to complete a run in under 2 hours.
According to police reports, Kiptum was behind the wheel when he veered off the road, ultimately ending up in a ditch.
Kiptum and his Rwandese Coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in the accident, while a third passenger survived and was quickly taken to the hospital.
Kiptum secured victory in the Chicago Marathon last year, completing the race in 2 hours, 35 seconds, and breaking Eliud Kipchoge’s world record in the process.
He was committed to reducing his time by 36 seconds in the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon scheduled for April 2024, to be the first person to complete a competitive race in under two hours.
Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, expressed his profound sorrow when announcing the news about the young athlete.
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“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” Coe stated.
“On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the Kenyan nation.”
Kenyans expressed their grief over the loss of the young star, noting that the nation had bid farewell to a hero.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba expressed his struggle to come to terms with the passing of Kiptum.
“Devastatingly sickening! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words,” he eulogized.
Raila Odinga, the ex-Prime Minister, expressed his condolences to the family of Kiptum and the entire athletics community, emphasizing that the world has lost a legendary figure.
Kelvin Kiptum Dies Two Months Before Attempting World Record