– Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum car crash
– Kelvin Kiptum dies car accident.
Kelvin Kiptum, Marathon World Record-Holder, Dies in Tragic Car Crash
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record-holder and a rising star in the world of long-distance running, tragically lost his life in a car crash in Kenya. The accident, which occurred late on Sunday, claimed the lives of Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
The details of the crash indicate that their vehicle was the only one involved. Kiptum was driving when the car veered off the road, landed in a ditch, and collided with a tree. The police are investigating the cause of the accident.
The 24-year-old Kenyan athlete had recently broken the world record for the marathon in his third elite appearance at the Chicago Marathon. His remarkable achievement was officially ratified by World Athletics just last week, cementing his position as one of the most promising talents in road running.
Kiptum’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through Kenya, a country where runners are regarded as national heroes. Tragic incidents involving top Kenyan athletes have become all too common, with many losing their lives in road accidents, domestic violence cases, and other unfortunate circumstances.
Expressing his condolences, Kenyan President William Ruto said, “He was only 24. Kiptum was our future.”
The accident took place near the town of Kaptagat, located in the high-altitude region of western Kenya. This area is renowned as a training base for elite distance runners from Kenya and around the world. Kiptum, who was born and raised in the region, had a deep connection to the area.
Tragically, Kiptum and Hakizimana lost their lives at the scene of the crash. However, a 24-year-old woman who was also in the car survived the accident and was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
The news of Kiptum’s death has left the athletics community and his family in mourning. Athletes, including former women’s steeplechase world champion Milcah Chemos, gathered at the hospital mortuary where the bodies of Kiptum and his coach were taken. Chemos, overcome with grief, struggled to find words to express the loss.
Kiptum’s achievements in the marathon were nothing short of extraordinary. He became the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute, setting a new world record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October. He was expected to compete against fellow Kenyan and reigning Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
The news of Kiptum’s tragic death has reached the international athletics community, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressing his condolences. Coe highlighted Kiptum’s recent world record performance and described him as an incredible athlete who leaves behind an incredible legacy.
Kenyans have sadly witnessed the loss of several talented athletes in similar circumstances. The deaths of David Lelei, Francis Kiplagat, Nicholas Bett, and Samuel Wanjiru, among others, have left a lasting impact on the nation.
As the nation mourns the loss of Kelvin Kiptum, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to cherish and support our athletes, who bring honor and pride to our country.
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
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1. Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in tragic car crash
2. Kelvin Kiptum, holder of marathon world record, passes away in fatal accident.
