World record holder Kelvin Kiptum has on Sunday died in a tragic road accident at the age of 24 years.
Kiptum’s coach Gervais Hakizimana was also in the vehicle that claimed both their lives along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
KIptum was one of the upcoming talents in the field and made headline after winning the Valencia marathon back in December 2022 clocking 2:01:53. In less than a year, he won the Chicago marathon smashing the world record finishing in 2:00:35.
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The two records plus the 2:01:25 London marathon win saw Kelvin Kiptum named the 2023 World Athlete of the Year.
Mourning the 24-year-old world record holder was former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who termed him an incredible individual and a hero.
“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.” he said
