Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of World Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum

 

Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum poses next to the clock marking his time after winning the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois, in a world record time of two hours and 35 seconds on October 8, 2023.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The fatal crash occurred around 11 pm in Kaptagat area along Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road, claiming the lives of Kiptum and Hakizimana instantly.

• Kelvin Kiptum gained recognition in athletics with the fastest marathon debut in Valencia in 2022.

• In 2023, he achieved a course record at the London Marathon with a time of 2:01:25 in April.

• Kiptum made history in October by breaking the men's world record, clocking 2:00:35, becoming the first to run a marathon in under two hours and one minute.

• His world marathon record was officially ratified by World Athletics just last week, and he was preparing for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

• World Athletics president Sebastian Coe expressed shock and condolences, highlighting Kiptum's remarkable legacy and the loss to the athletic community and Kenyan nation.

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World Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies In Road Accident

The world was plunged into mourning on Sunday night following the tragic and sudden demise of Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning world marathon record holder, and his coach, Garvis Hakizimana, in a devastating road accident. 

According to reports from the police, the tragic incident occurred at approximately 11 pm along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road in the Kaptagat area, where Kiptum and Hakizimana lost their lives instantly due to the impact of the accident.

Kelvin Kiptum had risen to prominence in the realm of athletics with his remarkable achievements. He first caught attention after delivering the fastest marathon debut in Valencia back in 2022. 

The young athlete continued to make waves in 2023, clinching victory at the London Marathon with a record-breaking time of 2:01:25 in April. 

However, it was his extraordinary feat in October that truly propelled him into the limelight. Kiptum shattered the men's world record by completing a marathon in an unprecedented 2:00:35, becoming the first man to achieve this remarkable milestone, and surpassing Eliud Kipchoge's previous record by 34 seconds.

The news of Kiptum's world marathon mark being ratified by the international track federation, World Athletics, had only been announced last week. 

He was eagerly preparing to embark on his new season, starting with the Rotterdam Marathon scheduled for April 14, before joining the Kenyan contingent for the much-anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The loss of such a promising talent has deeply shaken the athletic community and his nation.

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, expressed profound shock and offered heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan nation. 

He described Kiptum as an incredible athlete leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that will be sorely missed.

Coe reflected on his recent encounter with Kiptum's historic achievement, ratifying his marathon world record in Chicago, the very place where the young athlete had made history. 

The tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Garvis Hakizimana, marks a profound loss not only in the world of athletics but also in the hearts of those who admired their remarkable talents and contributions.