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Mixed Reactions As Kenyan World Marathon Record Holder, Kiptum, Dies In Car Crash
Kelvin Kiptum, the holder of the Marathon World Record, has passed away.
At the young age of 24, Kiptum tragically lost his life in a car accident in his home country of Kenya.
Tragically, his coach, Gervais Hakizimana from Rwanda, also lost his life in the same road accident near Kaptagat.
SportXparte understands that in October 2023, Kiptum achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:00.35, surpassing the previous world record set by his fellow Kenyan, Eliud Kipchoge, by 34 seconds.
It was only last Tuesday that World Athletics officially ratified his groundbreaking time.
Kelvin Kiptum receiving an award
Unfortunately, Kiptum’s many dreams have been cut short by ‘untimely’ death.
Reacting to the sad development, Seb Coe, World Athletics President, on Sunday night described Kiptum as “an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy”.
In a post via his official X handle, Coe wrote: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“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.”
Also, Gideon Kimaiyo, a Kenyan member of parliament, expressed his condolences to the deceased via his X handle.
“It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, and his coach in a tragic accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
“Kelvin Kiptum was at the prime of his career, a legend in his own right. It’s a tough one to take
“Our thoughts are with their families during this incredibly difficult time. The people of Keiyo South are saddened by this loss. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” Kimaiyo wrote.
