World record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum has died aged just 24 in an accident in his native Kenya.
The 2023 London Marathon winner’s coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also died in the car crash, while a third person was rushed to hospital.
Responding to the news, Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, said: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.
“Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
The accident happened at 11pm local time on a road from Eldoret to Kaptagat in south-west Kenya.
In October 2023, Kiptum set a new marathon world record of two hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon.
Earlier in April, he also set a new record for the London Marathon at two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
It was only last week that Kiptim’s October record was ratified by World Athletics, and the star had announced he would try and become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in Rotterdam, Netherlands in April.
President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, reacted to the news by 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile London Marathon organisers said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“The thoughts of everyone at the TCS London Marathon are with Kelvin’s and Gervais’ family and friends.”
https://talksport.com/sport/1746379/london-marathon-athletics-kelvin-kiptum-dies/
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