According to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a traffic accident on Sunday. Kenya’s minister for sports Ababu Namwamba also expressed his shock and sorrow at the news, saying, “Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”
Kiptum, who set the world record at the Chicago Marathon in October with a time of 2:00:35, had surpassed the previous record of 2:01:09 set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin in 2022. He had also broken the London Marathon course record earlier in the year and was looking to achieve another feat in Chicago as he approached the 35-kilometer mark before jubilantly finishing the race to the cheers of the crowd.
The loss of Kiptum at just 24 years old has deeply saddened the running community and the nation as a whole. His talent and potential were evident in his remarkable achievements in the sport. The tragedy has left many at a loss for words and has sent shockwaves across Kenya.
As the running world mourns the loss of Kiptum and his coach, the impact of their untimely deaths is being felt not only in Kenya but internationally. The outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow athletes, sports officials, and fans has shown the lasting impact that Kiptum and his coach had on the world of marathon running.
The legacy of Kiptum’s accomplishments, including his record-breaking runs and his determination to push the boundaries of what was thought possible in the sport, will continue to inspire future generations of runners. His memory will live on as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City and Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru,George Obulutsa and Humphrey Malalo; editing by Clare Fallon)
