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February 12, 2024 10:37 AM IST

kenya news | kelvin keptum | marathon

Kenya’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in car accident

By: Aditya Ahuja

World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Sunday night.

The accident occurred along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road in the southwestern part of the country, according to reports.

The 24-year-old Kenyan star was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers on board- Gervais and a lady identified as Sharon Kosgey.

Kiptum and Hakizimana succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while Sharon sustained severe injuries and was swiftly transported to Racecourse Hospital for medical treatment.

“This was a self-involved accident where Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, was driving his vehicle with two passengers. Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot, and the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret,” said the County Commander.

Kelvin Kiptum’s quick rise to marathon stardom gained him many fans. Condolences poured in for Kiptum and Coach Hakizimana’s families as news of their passing spread online. Fans expressed grief on social media, mourning the loss of a young star.

Kiptum made history by becoming the first man to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute in an official race. He achieved this feat in October of last year in Chicago, setting a new world record at 2:00:35. This accomplishment surpassed the previous mark held by fellow Kenyan and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. Impressively, Kiptum established this record in only his third top-level marathon.

His outstanding achievements quickly positioned him as one of the most exciting prospects in road running in recent years and was a clear contender for gold in the marathon at the Paris Olympics in August this year.

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Last updated on: 17th February 2025