Kelvin Kiptam: Marathon world record holder dies in car accident

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Men’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died at the age of 24 in a traffic accident in Kenya.

Kiptum and Rwanda national team coach Gervais Hakizimana were confirmed killed in the clash. Abbott World Marathon Majors and Elgeyo Marakwet Police.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Kaptagat area along Elgeyo Marakwet Road. Kiptam won last year’s London Marathon and went on to break compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s world record at the Chicago Marathon in October with a time of 2:00:35.

Hakijiman’s wife, Joan Chelimo, also confirmed her husband’s death to Olympic.com.

Kiptum was scheduled to run in this year’s Rotterdam Marathon in April. The marathon was touted as Kipchoge’s first attempt to break the two-hour barrier in an official race after running an unofficial time of 1:59:40.2 in Vienna in 2019.

World Athletics President Seb Coe paid tribute to Kiptum, saying: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakijimana. is.

“On behalf of all of World Athletics, I would like to express our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the people of Kenya.

“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, where Kelvin set his incredible marathon world record, that I was able to officially recognize his historic record. An incredible athlete. He left an incredible legacy and we will miss him greatly.”

Police added that Kiptum was the driver and the car “lost control and overturned, killing both people on the spot.” According to AFP news agency, a third passenger, a woman, was injured.

Father-of-two Kiptam made his marathon debut in 2022, four years after competing in his first major event, but was forced to rent shoes for financial reasons, later commenting: session. ”

Kiptum started a trend among Kenyan athletes to begin their careers on the road, moving away from athletes like Kipchoge who initially made their name on the track.

Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mlinge confirmed the tragic news in a statement, saying: “This was a self-inflicted accident in which marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum was driving the car with two passengers.

“Kiptum and Hakijimana died on the spot, while the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret.”

The former Kenyan Prime Minister said: “This is shocking news as we mourn the passing of an outstanding man, world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon Kelvin Kiptum. Along with his coach, they are saddened by the accident tonight. passed away.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics community. Our nation deeply mourns the loss of a true hero.”

Hakizimana, 36, met Kiptumin many years ago and began coaching him in 2018.

“It was 2009 and I was training near his father’s farm and he came to kick my heel and I was pushing him away. Now his Thank you for your accomplishments.”