– World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum
– Coach’s tragic death.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum and Coach Gervais Hakizimana Killed in Tragic Road Accident

New Delhi, February 12 – In a devastating incident, 24-year-old Kelvin Kiptum, the renowned Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder, along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a tragic road traffic accident. The unfortunate incident took place on Sunday at 11 pm local time on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road, as reported by Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge.

Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio, accompanied by two passengers – his coach Gervais Hakizimana and a lady named Sharon Kosgey, en route to Eldoret. However, tragedy struck when Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a large tree before finally landing in a ditch approximately 60 meters away. The impact of the accident was severe, resulting in the immediate demise of Kiptum and Hakizimana.

Sharon Kosgey, the third passenger, sustained serious injuries and was swiftly rushed to the Racecourse Hospital for medical attention. The bodies of the athlete and his coach were taken to the Racecourse Hospital mortuary. The severely damaged vehicle was towed to the Kaptagat Police Station for further investigation.

A Rising Star in Long-Distance Running

Kelvin Kiptum was a rising star in the world of long-distance running, capturing global attention with his outstanding performances. He made his marathon debut in December 2022, triumphing in Valencia with an impressive time of 2:01:53. Just a year later, in only his third marathon, Kiptum shattered the world record, completing the Chicago Marathon in a remarkable time of 2:00:35.

Prior to his record-breaking achievements, Kiptum had already displayed great potential. He secured victory at the London Marathon, setting a course record of 2:01:25 in 2023, which led to his recognition as the 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men’s out-of-stadia events. His journey began in 2019 when he made his international debut as a teenager at the Lisbon Half Marathon, finishing fifth with a time of 59:54. Notably, he also excelled in the half marathon distance, repeatedly breaking the 60-minute barrier on six occasions between 2019 and 2021.

With such remarkable achievements at a young age, Kiptum had earned a spot in the Kenyan team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, showcasing his immense potential on the global stage.

A Heartbreaking Loss for the Athletics Community

The tragic news of Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the athletics community. Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “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.”

Ironically, just a few days before the accident, in the city where Kiptum set his historic marathon world record, Chicago, the official ratification of his incredible time took place. Coe acknowledged Kiptum’s phenomenal achievement, highlighting the void left by his passing, saying, “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

This tragic incident has left the entire sporting world in mourning as they reflect on the loss of a talented athlete and his devoted coach. The impact of their contributions and the memories they leave behind will forever be cherished.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the ap7am team.)

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1. “World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum”
2. “Coach die”.