World Record Breaking Marathon Runner Kelvin Kiptum Killed In Vehicle Crash

Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach have died in an accident in Kenya, it has been announced. Issue date: Monday February 12, 2024. 75325581 (Press Association via AP Images)

Men’s world record breaking marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana were killed in a car crash in western Kenya on Sunday.

The road accident happened at about 23:00 local time on Sunday, according to AFP news agency. Police said that Kiptum was the driver of the vehicle before he “lost control and rolled, killing the two on the spot.” A woman also in the vehicle was taken to hospital.

The 24-year-old athlete dazzled the world with his record-shattering performances, most notably at last year’s London Marathon where he triumphed in a staggering two hours, one minute, and 25 seconds, and then went on to astonish at the Chicago Marathon by setting a new men’s marathon world record at two hours and 35 seconds.

Opposition leader and former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his heartache over the news, recognising Kiptum as a “remarkable individual” and a “Kenyan athletics icon.”

President of World Athletics Seb Coe conveyed his shock on X:

Fans and fellow athletes have also taken to social media to honour Kiptum’s legacy, with poignant messages highlighting the runner’s iconic status and the void his untimely death leaves in the sport.