Kenyan athlete and world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a car crash in Kenya over the weekend.
Kiptum, 24 and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a crash at 11 p.m., said Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos.
The unfortunate incident happened between the towns of Eldoret and Kaptagat in western Kenya, a training base for long distance runners.
Families and associates came around to identify kiptum body. Another woman who suffered multiple injuries was also involved in the accident, taken to the same hospital.
The Kenyan sprinter, Kiptum became the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, 1 minute. He equally set record a world record of 2:00.35 at the Chicago Marathon in October, outrunning fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge.
President of Kenyan Athletic Federation, Jackson Tuwei send officials to the scene of the accident.
Kiptum ran the fastest time ever by a marathon debutant at the 2022 Valencia Marathon where he won the London and Chicago races in 2023.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” World athletic president, Sebastian Coe said.
“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,” Coe concluded.
