11 February 2024 , 23:18
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World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died in a car accident.
Kiptum won the London Marathon last year, setting a new record time in the process, crossing the finish line in two hours one minute and 25 seconds. He then shocked the world at the Chicago Marathon in October when he broke the men’s marathon world record, with a new time of two hours and 35 seconds.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga paid tribute to the 24-year-old in a statement on social media. He 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. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero."
Tributes poured in for the runner, with one fan writing: "An absolute icon and forever a legend, may Kelvin Kiptum rest in peace." Another added: "Kelvin Kiptum was too young. Rest easy, king."
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Kiptum's coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana, also died in the road accident in Kenya’s Kaptagat area at 11pm local time. Kiptum was seen as the favourite to win the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris this summer, in what many expected would be a huge showdown with compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, who is the defending champion.
Kiptum had been setting his sights on running the first-ever sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam in April. His intense training session meant he had been seeing his family just once per week, but the Kenyan was hopeful of a successful year.
Kiptum broke the record time for the London Marathon last year (Getty Images)"It's already known: the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. I would like to grow further and so, inevitably, break the barrier. It's a choice made in full conscience, in agreement with my wife, to focus 100% on my goals," the 24-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There are three places, and I want to be there," Kiptum said. "As a team we will collaborate, but then everyone looks out for themselves. I'll go there to run fast. The course is ideal, and the crowds in the streets push you to give your best.
"I would love to be a part of the rich history of this marathon. If the preparation goes in the right direction, with peaks of 270 kilometers per week, and the weather conditions permit, I will go for it."
The wreckage of the vehicle (AP)Seb Coe, the president of World Athletics, shared an emotional tribute to Kiptum. Coe issued his condolences to the families of Kiptum and Hakizimana with a post on social media.
"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 said.
"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."