The world of athletics is mourning the untimely death of Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning marathon world record-holder, who died in a car accident late Sunday night along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in Kenya.
According to police reports, Kiptum, aged 24, was driving when their vehicle veered off the road in Rift Valley, plunged into a ditch, and crashed into a tree. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicle was involved in the tragic incident.
Kiptum had recently captured global attention after smashing the marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon with a stunning time of 2:00:35 — a feat that was officially ratified by World Athletics just days before his death. He had competed in only three elite marathons, each performance redefining endurance standards.
Kiptum was widely considered a top contender for Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, and was seen as the next great icon in long-distance running.
“Kelvin was a once-in-a-generation athlete,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. “An incredible talent taken from us too soon.”
Kiptum’s death has sent shockwaves through Kenya, a nation known for producing some of the world’s greatest runners. His passing adds to a string of tragic losses the country has endured in the athletics community in recent years.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, honoring a young life and career that inspired millions and had only just begun.
