A tragic accident befell the long-distance running community as 24-year-old world record holder Kelvin Kiptum lost his life in a late-night car crash near Nairobi, Kenya. Kiptum has had a tremendous influence on the marathon scene during the past two years, including winning the 2023 London Marathon. Then, at the October Chicago Marathon, he stunned the running community by surpassing Eliud Kipchoge’s world record, clocking 2:00:35.
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The unfortunate accident took place late on Sunday night, and devastated fans and the sports community as a whole, as it claimed the life of a gifted athlete. Amidst the sorrow, many fans questioned: Who was behind the wheel during the crash?
Kelvin Kiptum car crash update
A sorrowful tweet by @BBCAfrica captioned, “Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s marathon world record holder, has died in a road accident in his home country, aged 24. He was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana. Our thoughts are with their friends and families,” broke the news on the internet.
Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, the men's marathon world record holder, has died in a road accident in his home country, aged 24.
He was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana.
Our thoughts are with their friends and families. pic.twitter.com/Vpxj582vz3
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) February 12, 2024
According to police accounts, the incident occurred at about 11 p.m., close to the town of Kapsabet in western Kenya, an area well-known for serving as a training center for top distance runners. The car driven by Kiptum swerved off the road, fell into a ditch, and struck a tree. A third passenger, a lady, was taken to the hospital after she survived the collision with sustaining injuries. The photos showed the silver car with a broken roof and one door that had been thrown open.
Untimely demise shatters Olympic dreams
Kiptum and Hakizimana tragically passed away on the spot. Emotions were running high as family members and athletes gathered at the hospital. World’s gold medalist in track Milcah Chemos said, “I have no words to explain the loss of Kelvin,” after seeing him. Meanwhile, Kiptum’s friend Kenneth Kimaiyo described the horrific accident scene to the media. He arrived soon after the collision and discovered Kiptum had been thrown from the vehicle.
READ MORE “Rip Man”: Track and Field World Mourns Kelvin Kiptum’s Unfortunate Passing
It was anticipated that Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge, both Kenyans, would compete for the gold in the marathon in the upcoming Olympics. Kiptum was supposed to begin his season in April participating in Rotterdam Marathon. Tragically, Kiptum’s untimely demise shattered dreams of Olympic gold and left a void in the world of long-distance running.
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