Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum: Marathon world record holder dies in road accident
Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder for the men’s marathon from Kenya, tragically passed away in a car accident in his home country at the age of 24.
The accident occurred on a road in western Kenya on Sunday, claiming the lives of Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana from Rwanda.
Kiptum rose to prominence in 2023 as a formidable competitor to fellow Kenyan marathon star Eliud Kipchoge.
In October last year, Kiptum surpassed Kipchoge’s achievement by completing the 26.1 miles (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon.
Both Kiptum and Kipchoge had been selected for Kenya’s provisional marathon team for the upcoming Paris Olympics.