World record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in car crash
Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum has died.
According to an article from World Athletics, Kiptum died in an accident on Sunday. He was 24 years old.
It is reported that Kiptum’s coach Gervais Hakizimana, who was in the car with the Kenyan distance runner, also died in the accident.
“Kiptum was one of the most exciting new prospects to emerge in road running in recent years,” World Athletics said in its story. Kiptum was named 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men’s out-of-stadia events. His time of 2:00:35 set at the Chicago Marathon last year, was ratified just last week.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said, “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.”