1. World Marathon Record Holder
2. Coach Die In Car Crash.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) – The long-distance running community is mourning the loss of a rising star as 24-year-old Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum, the current marathon world record holder, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident.
The fatal accident took place on Sunday at 11 pm (local time) on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road, as confirmed by Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge.
According to the Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation, Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers on board. Together with his coach Hakizimana and a woman identified as Sharon Kosgey, they were heading to Eldoret when the accident occurred.
While Sharon sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to Racecourse Hospital for medical attention, the bodies of Kiptum and Hakizimana were transported to the Racecourse Hospital mortuary. The vehicle suffered severe damage and was towed to Kaptagat Police Station, the Daily Nation reported.
County Commander Peter Mulinge stated, “This was a self-involved accident where one Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, was driving his vehicle with two passengers. Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot, and the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret.”
According to authorities, Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, hit a large tree, and eventually landed in a ditch approximately 60 metres away.
Kelvin Kiptum had emerged as one of the most promising talents in road running in recent years. He made headlines when he made his marathon debut in December 2022, winning in Valencia with a remarkable time of 2:01:53. Less than a year later, in just his third marathon, he shattered the world record, crossing the finish line in Chicago with a stunning time of 2:00:35.
His exceptional performances, including a course record-breaking victory at the London Marathon in 2:01:25, led to him being named the 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men’s out-of-stadia events.
Kiptum’s international career began in 2019, when he was still a teenager. He impressed with a fifth-place finish and a time of 59:54 at the Lisbon Half Marathon. Before transitioning to the full marathon distance, Kiptum further improved his half marathon personal best to an impressive 58:42 at the 2020 Valencia Half Marathon. Between 2019 and 2021, he broke the 60-minute mark for the half marathon on six different occasions.
The Kenyan runner was selected to represent his country at the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his career.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his shock and deep sadness, saying, “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.”
He further added, “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.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, and teammates of Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana during this difficult time.
–IANS
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1. “World Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum”
2. “Coach Die In Car Crash”.
