Tributes have been pouring in for the world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, after his shock death, alongside his coach, in a road accident on Sunday
The 24-year-old, who broke the world record in Chicago in October after winning the London Marathon in April, was was reported by police to have lost control of his vehicle while driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret around 11pm on Sunday
Kelvin Kiptum lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree before landing in a ditch, Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot
“The car had three occupants, two died on the spot, while one was taken to hospital. The two are Kiptum and his coach,” said Peter Mulinge, police commander for Elgeyo Marakwet County in western Kenya where the accident occurred.
Raila Odinga, was among those to pay his respects, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”
Kiptum had announced he would attempt to become the first man to run an official marathon under the two-hour mark in Rotterdam on April 14.
He was also the overwhelming favourite for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
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