Kelvin Kiptum: World Marathon Record Holder Dies in Eldoret Road Accident
- World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road on Sunday, February 11
- Elgeyo Marakwet County Police commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old Kenyan athlete was driving a Toyota Premio when the accident occurred
- Mulinge said Kiptum's Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also died on the spot during the accident
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World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road in Kenya.
Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, died in a tragic road accident on Sunday, February 11.
Source: Twitter
Kelvin Kiptum: Who was driving the vehicle?
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old Kenyan athlete, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and his coach died at the scene of the crash.
The police boss said a third occupant survived with serious injuries, Mulinge added.
“He lost control, veered off the road, entered into a ditch 60 meters away and hit a big tree,” Mulinge said.
Muga said the bodies were moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, awaiting a postmortem.
The heartbreaking news comes just a few days after World Athletics ratified Kiptum's marathon record.
Kenyans took to social media to mourn the departed champion, some describing him as a patriot whom they expected to win a gold medal in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Kiptum, who was aged 24, broke the world record by running a staggering 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in 2023 to surpass the previous record held by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, saving 34 seconds in the brilliant run.
How Kenyans reacted to Kelvin Kiptum's death
Josh:
"This guy just got his world record recognition this week only to die today? Death comes to you so impromptu. This was such a pure talent. Rest in peace Kelvin Kiptum."
Author Sakwah Ongoma:
"It can't be true that Kelvin Kiptum has died just 5 days after his Marathon world record was ratified. In a year when I was hoping for his Olympics marathon gold medal."
Carol Radull:
"Breaking News: World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot has passed away in a road accident. Kiptum was on course to become the first athlete to run a sub 2 hours in a official marathon. May he Rest in Peace."
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported the passing of Jimi Solanke, a veteran Nigerian actor, singer, and poet, much to the dismay of his fans.
The thespian reportedly passed away in the early hours of February 5, 2024, while en route to the hospital.
The news of Solanke's demise has prompted various reactions from Nigerians, who have expressed their grief online.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
Nkem Ikeke (Copy editor) Nkem Ikeke is currently a copy editor who also writes for the politics and current affairs desk on weekends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), and has over 10 years of work experience in the media industry (Reporter, News Agency of Nigeria). Email: n.ikeke@corp.legit.ng
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng
