World Athletics president Seb Coe has led the tributes to marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who was killed in a road traffic accident in his native Kenya on Sunday.
Kiptum, who was 24, died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana following a crash on a road in the west of the country at about 8pm UK time last night. A third passenger is in hospital.
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Kiptum set the fastest ever time in the marathon in Chicago last October, running two hours and 35 seconds to better the mark set by countryman Eliud Kipchoge.
His death was announced on X by Kenyan member of parliament Gideon Kimaiyo, who wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, and his coach in a tragic accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
“Kelvin Kiptum was at the prime of his career, a legend in his own right. It’s a tough one to take.
“Our thoughts are with their families during this incredibly difficult time. The people of Keiyo South are saddened by this loss. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
It was only earlier this week in… PIC.TWITTER.COM/DDBKGJXNKL
— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Coe said, also on X: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.
“An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
Kiptum also broke the course record at the London Marathon in 2023.
Race director Hugo Brasher said: “Kelvin had the sport of marathon running in his feet and at his feet. He was a ‘once in a generation’ athlete who was set to redefine the boundaries of our sport. Three marathons, three wins.
“The fastest marathon debutant in Valencia, London’s course record holder and the world record holder in Chicago, all within the space of less than 12 months. His was a flame that burned so bright and last night was
tragically put out.
“As a sport we mourn for a life so tragically cut short, a talent and a work ethos that was only starting to be appreciated and a man that we had only just started to know.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his coach Gervais.
“We hope that Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei, who was travelling with them, makes a full and speedy recovery.”
