Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in traffic accident

Kiptum, who has three of the seven fastest marathon times in history, was hoping to become the first person to run a marathon under two hours under race conditions at Rotterdam in April as well as make his Olympic debut in Paris in July.

Kelvin Kiptum celebrates after setting a new world record time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. File photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said in a statement: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the nation of Kenya. An incredible athlete leaving behind an incredible legacy, he will be greatly missed.”

According to the Nation newspaper, Kiptum was driving a car carrying his Rwandan coach and a woman near the Rift Valley village where he was born when the accident happened.

Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died at the scene but the woman, Sharon Kosgey, survived with serious injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

“This was a self-inflicted accident,” local police commander Peter Mulinge was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Senior Kenyan politicians and government officials have paid tribute to Kiptum. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga wrote on social media platform X: “Sad news as we mourn the passing of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder and Kenyan sporting icon.”

"I send my deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends and all his athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero."

“I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana,” Kenyan two-time Olympic champion and 800m world record holder David Rudisha said in a post on X. “This is a huge loss.”

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/sieu-vo-dich-marathon-kiptum-qua-doi-vi-tai-nan-giao-thong-post284309.html