World Athletics president Sebastien Coe and President William Ruto have led the world and Kenyan to mourn the sudden death of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum through a road accident on Sunday night alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
Coe said that he was shocked and saddened by the death of Kiptum. On his X account, he wrote:
“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,” he said.
On his X handle, the Head of State eulogized Kiptum as a star, noting that an extraordinary sportsman who has left an extraordinary mark on the globe.
“Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record. He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace,” wrote the president.
Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a tragic road accident Sunday night in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.
“The accident happened around 11 pm. The car had three occupants, two died on the spot while one was taken to hospital,” Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said.
Kiptum’s death happened 6 days later after the IAAF ratified his record of 2:00:35
He broke Eliud Kipchoge’s world record in Chicago last October, running 26.1 miles in two hours and 35 seconds.