Kelvin Kiptum dies


Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum, who broke the marathon world record less than a year ago, died in a road accident in Nairobi. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed shock at Kiptum's death. It is worth mentioning that, along with Kiptum, his coach also died in the accident. The death of Kiptum has plunged the athletic world into mourning.

Kelvin Kiptum dies at the age of 24 in a road accident.
1. Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died in a road accident in Nairobi.
2. Kiptum broke the world record in the marathon last year in October.
3. Kelvin aimed to become the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours.

Sports Desk, New Delhi. Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder in the marathon from Kenya, along with his coach, died in a road accident in Nairobi on Sunday. The news of the deaths of 24-year-old Kiptum and his coach has left the sports world in shock. Kelvin Kiptum broke the world record less than five months ago. It was believed that Kiptum would create a new chapter in sports history, but it was not to be.

Kelvin Kiptum left an indelible mark on the game at just 24 years old. He completed the Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:00:35 on October 8, 2023, breaking the marathon world record. World Athletics confirmed this outstanding achievement just over a week before Kiptum's untimely death.

What happened in the car?
Kelvin Kiptum's road accident occurred near Eldoret's Rift Valley City. This area is known for some of the best long-distance runners in the world. Kelvin was driving a Toyota Premio when he suddenly lost control of his car. His car veered off the road and collided with a tree. In this incident, along with Kiptum, his coach, Gervase Hakizimana, also lost his life. Female passenger Sharon Kosgei survived the accident but sustained serious injuries.

Coach is greater than Hakizimana.
Gervase Hakizimana, 36, was more than just a coach for Kiptum. He himself was a former long-distance runner. He holds the record for the steeplechase at 3000 meters. Last year, the duo shone at the London Marathon, where Kiptum demonstrated his racing strategy and won. 

The athletics world expresses shock.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed sympathy for fellow athletes and fans, stating that Kelvin's death is a deep loss for the athlete community. He posted on his official handle, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervase Hakizimana. On behalf of the entire world athletics community, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the people of Kenya."

He also wrote, "I was able to confirm this historic moment at the start of this week in Chicago, where Kelvin broke the marathon world record. An incomparable athlete has left his legacy, which we will greatly miss."

Kiptum's rise to fame
Kiptum's rise in the world of long-distance running was rapid. He gained attention after winning the 2023 London Marathon, where he displayed his talent and dedication. Later that year, he shocked the world by breaking the record in Chicago. He was shortlisted for the Kenyan team for the Paris Olympics. Kelvin Kiptum did not participate in last year's Chicago Marathon, but he was scheduled to compete in the Rotterdam Marathon in April 2024. He was aiming to complete the marathon in under two hours, which would have made him the first runner in the world to achieve this feat.