The world record holder in the marathon, Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, died in a car accident. The incident occurred at 11 p.m. local time in Kaptagat, Kenya. His coach, Gervais Hakazimana, also died in the accident. The second passenger was taken to hospital.
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was among the first to express his condolences, writing on X: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable person, Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder and icon of Kenyan athletics. Tonight he and his coach tragically died in an accident. Our nation mourns the profound loss of a true hero.”
Meanwhile, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said he was “shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, he will be greatly missed,” he added.
Local District Commander Peter Mulinge told the Nation that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, hit a tree and then landed in a ditch.
Kiptum made his marathon debut during the Valencia race in 2022, when he won with a result of 2:01:53. Less than a year later, in Chicago, when he won his third marathon, he set the current world record of 2:00:35. In April this year, in Rotterdam, he announced his fight to break the two-hour mark.