Tragic Loss: Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Passes Away at 24

The world of athletics mourns the loss of a rising star as Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record-holder, tragically passed away in a road traffic accident. Alongside him, his coach Gervais Hakizimana also lost his life on the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.

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Kiptum's journey to greatness was remarkable. Hailing from Chepsamo village in Chepkorio, Kenya, he emerged from humble beginnings, working on his family's cattle farm before discovering his passion for running at the age of 13. His talent quickly became evident as he claimed victories and broke records, culminating in his historic marathon debut in Valencia in 2022, where he stunned the world with a time of 2:01:53.

In the following months, Kiptum continued to shine, setting a new world record in Chicago with a remarkable time of 2:00:35, and claiming victory at the London Marathon with a course record of 2:01:25. His unparalleled achievements led to him being named the 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men's out-of-stadia events.

Kiptum's legacy transcends his athletic prowess; he was a symbol of perseverance and dedication. His approach to marathon running, marked by blistering second-half performances, became his trademark. His ambition to break the two-hour barrier exemplified his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, expressed profound sadness at the loss of Kiptum and his coach, offering condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan nation. Kiptum's passing leaves a void in the world of athletics, but his extraordinary achievements and indomitable spirit will forever be remembered.

In the wake of this tragic loss, let us honor Kelvin Kiptum's memory by continuing to pursue our dreams with unwavering determination and resilience. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.