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Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder, Kiptum, Dies in Tragic Car Accident

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder, Kiptum, Dies in Tragic Car Accident

Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot was a Kenyan long-distance runner and the marathon world record holder at the time of his death. He was the only person in history to run the marathon under two hours and one minute in a record-eligible race. He ran three of the seven-fastest marathons in history. Wikipedia

Kelvin Kiptum, a promising Kenyan athlete and world record holder in marathon running, tragically passed away at the age of 24 in a car accident in his homeland. Kiptum, considered a strong contender for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, was traveling from Kaptagat to Eldoret in western Kenya when the accident occurred around 11 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Sunday, resulting in the overturning of his vehicle.

According to Peter Mulinge, the police commander of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in the accident, while a female passenger sustained injuries.

“The car had three occupants; two died on the spot, while one was taken to the hospital. The two are Kiptum and his coach. It was Kiptum who was driving heading to Eldoret, and the vehicle lost control and rolled, killing the two on the spot,” Mulinge informed reporters.

Kiptum gained international recognition for his outstanding performance in marathon running when he broke the world record with a remarkable time of 2:00:35 in Chicago in October. This achievement, accomplished at just 23 years old and in his third marathon, surpassed the previous record by 34 seconds, set by fellow Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge.

In addition to his record-breaking run in Chicago, Kiptum emerged victorious in two other marathons he participated in, securing wins in Valencia in 2022 and London the following year.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow at Kiptum’s untimely death, describing him as “our future” and “an extraordinary sportsman.” He hailed Kiptum as one of the world’s finest sportsmen who shattered barriers to achieve a marathon record.

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