World Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum tragically passed away on Sunday night in a fatal road accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat highway. Alongside him, his coach Gervais Hakizimana also lost his life in the same incident as confirmed by traffic base commandant Dennis Muga. Both bodies were transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.
Kiptum’s legacy in the sport was remarkable. He made headlines globally when he shattered the world marathon record clocking an astonishing time of 2:00:35 to clinch victory at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023.
The journey to this milestone began in Valencia in December 2022, where Kiptum just 23 at the time stunned the world with a debut marathon time of 2:01:53, placing him third on the all-time list behind only Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele according to World Athletics.
Anticipation was high for his next challenge, as he aimed to break the elusive two-hour mark at the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon scheduled for April 14.
In an interview earlier in January 2024, Kiptum revealed his rigorous training routine, emphasizing his dedication to achieving peak performance: “Currently my days consist of eating, sleeping, training, and repeating. My preparation is my main focus at the moment. I want to be the best version of myself when I start in Rotterdam.”
Additionally, Kiptum had earned a spot on the Kenyan marathon team for the upcoming Olympic Games, alongside the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.
The news of Kiptum’s untimely demise has left the nation in mourning. Kenyans took to social media to express their shock and sorrow.
“Rest in Peace Kelvin Kiptum, utterly devastated. It’s been a long time since I felt this much pain. A young man with such a bright future gone too soon. It brings back memories of Sammy Wanjiru and Nicholas Bett, whose lives were also tragically cut short at the height of their careers,” lamented Levin Opiyo.
“The news is simply incomprehensible. This young man had his whole life ahead of him, brimming with talent. It’s heart-wrenching,” expressed Greyson Mwenda.
“I’m still in disbelief. Condolences to the family and friends of Kelvin Kiptum,” shared Mutio Esther, echoing the sentiments of many who mourned the loss of a promising athlete.
