Road Accident in Kenya Claims The Lives of Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum and His Coach
Gitablogsport.com - According to Kenyan police, Kelvin Kiptum, the current holder of the marathon world record, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, passed away in a car crash on Sunday evening near the town of Eldoret in the Rift Valley. The accident was confirmed by authorities.
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| (source image : athletics weekly) |
According to CNN, Peter Mulinge, the County Police Commander of Elgeyo Marakwet, stated that a 24-year-old athlete from Kenya and his coach were killed in a car accident while driving a Toyota Premio. The incident occurred at the crash site.
According to Mulinge, a third person managed to survive but sustained severe injuries.
According to Mulinge, the vehicle went out of control and swerved off the road, ultimately crashing into a large tree after veering into a ditch 60 meters away. The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. in the local time zone.
The marathon world record time of 2:00:35, achieved by Kiptum during the Chicago Marathon in October of the previous year, was recently approved by World Athletics. This record-breaking performance came only a year after Kiptum transitioned from competing in shorter distance races to running marathons.
Kiptum managed to surpass the 2:01:09 record set by his fellow Kenyan, Eliud Kipchoge, who is renowned as the greatest marathon runner ever. This impressive feat was achieved by Kiptum improving his own personal best time by an astounding 50 seconds. Many had high hopes for Kiptum as he was seen as Kipchoge's potential successor and a potential candidate to break the 2-hour barrier in the marathon.
According to reports, Hakizimana, a 36-year-old athlete from Rwanda, had a career in professional sports and competed in various races ranging from 5,000 meters to the half marathon.
On February 12, the car carrying Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder from Kenya, and his coach was involved in a traffic accident near Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley region. Sadly, both individuals lost their lives in the crash. The vehicle involved in the accident was left in ruins.
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'The sport of marathon running has experienced a devastating tragedy'
Athletes and long distance runners from around the globe paid their respects and expressed sorrow at the passing of a talented athlete in the prime of his career.
According to Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, Kiptum will be greatly missed as he leaves behind an amazing legacy as an exceptional athlete.
Coe expressed his shock and sorrow upon hearing about the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. As the representative of World Athletics, he extends their heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends, teammates, and the entire nation of Kenya.
According to Coe, the official ratification of Kelvin's historic marathon world record took place earlier this week in Chicago, the same location where he achieved the extraordinary feat.
According to Bob Verbeeck, Kiptum's manager, the athlete is a cherished acquaintance.
Verbeeck, speaking on behalf of Golazo (Management Group) and all colleagues and friends, expressed sincere condolences to the families, friends, and the entire athletics community.
Condolences flooded Kiptum's official Instagram account after news of his passing was announced.
A statement was released by the organizers of the London Marathon on X, expressing their shock and sadness. The TCS London Marathon team extends their condolences to the family and friends of Kelvin and Gervais.
According to Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the city of Chicago would experience a significant loss with Kiptum's departure. Kipton, who made history in 2023, has had a strong impact on the marathon.
According to Pinkowski, Kelvin was an exceptional athlete who emerged in his generation. Although he will be recognized for his impressive achievements, I will always think of him as a remarkable individual with immense talent.
According to him, we were fortunate enough to observe his excellence in the streets of Chicago. It is a devastating loss for the sport of marathon running.
On October 8, 2023, Kiptum was photographed at the Grant Park during the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
The Kenyan Olympians have also shared their sorrow. David Rudisha, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who had previously survived a plane crash in 2022, referred to Kiptum's passing as a significant tragedy. In a statement on X, Rudisha expressed his sympathies to the families, friends, and the entire athletic community in Kenya.
"Bernard Lagat, a five-time Olympian and middle distance runner, expressed his shock upon learning about the devastating accident that claimed the lives of Kevin Kiptum and his coach today. He mourned the loss of the two individuals and referred to them as champions who left this world too early. May they rest in peace."
According to Robert de Castella, a former world champion marathon runner from Australia, a promising rising star has suddenly passed away. This serves as a reminder of the value of life and the fragility that we all share.
On X, Raila Odinga, Kenya's ex-prime minister, was one of many who offered condolences. He expressed his sorrow over the tragic news and hailed Kiptum as a legend in Kenyan sports. The entire country mourns the immense loss of a genuine hero.
The Kenyan Minister of Sports, Ababu Namwamba, also expressed his condolences on X, stating that Kenya has lost a special gem. He was at a loss for words.