Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning marathon world record holder, and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Kenya on Sunday night, February 11th.
World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a traffic accident on Sunday, February 12, 2024, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said on social media platform X.
Kenya’s Minister for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, said on X , “Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”
As per reports, Kiptum was driving the car when the fatal accident occurred on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road, in Kenya. The devastating event has sent shockwaves through the athletic community and beyond.
“Kiptum and Hakizimana tragically lost their lives on the spot, while the third person involved in the accident was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret.” Hakizimana’s wife, Joan Chelimo, confirmed her husband’s passing to Olympics.com.
24-year-old Kelvin Kiptum scripted history by shattering the men’s marathon record with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon in October last year — first time an athlete had broken the barrier of 2 hours and 1 minute in a record-eligible marathon.
Kelvin Kiptum made his mark on the half-marathon circuit before transitioning to the full marathon in 2022.
Kiptum’s debut in the full marathon at the Valencia Marathon was nothing short of spectacular, stunning the world with the fourth-fastest time ever recorded on debut.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, hailed Kelvin Kiptum as a “rising star”, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Kenyan nation.
