World Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Road Accident

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: The Men’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died alongside his coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana, in a road accident outside Eldoret, Western Kenya, police confirmed.

“The accident happened around 11 pm. The car had three occupants, two died on the spot while one was taken to hospital,” Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said.

Kiptum made a breakthrough in 2023 as a rival to compatriot Eliud Kipchoge – one of the greatest marathon runners.

And it was in Chicago last October that Kiptum bettered Kipchoge’s achievement, clocking the (42km in two hours and 35 seconds.

The two athletes had been named in Kenya’s provisional marathon team for the Paris Olympics later this year.

According to the police report, the road accident happened at about 11 pm on Sunday.

Just last week, his team announced that he would attempt to run the distance in under two hours at the Rotterdam marathon – a feat that has never been achieved in open competition.

Athletics Kenya has since mourned the death of the record world holder and his coach saying:

“Athletics Kenya is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of the World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana. Our condolences go out to their families and the entire athletics community during this difficult time.”