The former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced the tragic passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder for the marathon race, and his coach Jervis Hakizimana as a result of a car accident yesterday.
Odinga expressed his sorrow on his social media platform, saying, “Heartbreaking news. We mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.”
He added, “He tragically passed away with his coach last night. Deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics community. Our nation is saddened by the profound loss of a true champion.”
Earlier, Kenyan Sports Minister Amina Mohamed stated on her social media, “The devastation is overwhelming. Kenya has lost an exceptional gem. There are no words to express the incident.”
Current Kenyan President William Ruto also honored the late champion.
World Record
Kiptum (24 years old) set the world record in the Chicago Marathon last October with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds, breaking the previous record of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin in 2022.
Kiptum, who achieved three of the seven fastest marathon times in history, aimed to become the first runner to break the two-hour mark in race conditions in Rotterdam in April and make his debut at the Olympics in Paris in July.
Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, expressed in a statement, “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Hakizimana. On behalf of the IAAF, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, colleagues, and to Kenya. He was an outstanding athlete who left a remarkable legacy, and he will be greatly missed.”
According to Nishin Newspaper, Kiptum was driving with his coach, the Rwandan, and a woman in a car near his birthplace, Rift Valley when the accident occurred.
Kiptum and his coach Jervis died at the scene of the accident, but the woman, Sharon Kosgei, managed to escape with minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
The local police commander Peter Mulingi stated, “This was a self-inflicted accident.”
Kiptum (right) with the top athletes in the world in running races for 2023 (Anadolu)
Kiptum broke the course record for the London Marathon earlier last year and was determined to make a difference again in Chicago. This was achieved as he sprinted at a rapid pace for 35 kilometers, raising his arms in the air amidst cheers from the audience in the final straight, announcing his victory in the race and breaking the world record.
Hakizimana (36 years old) is a former long-distance runner and still holds the Rwandan record in the 3,000-meter hurdles race. He first met Kiptum while training in Rift Valley and worked intensively with him before the London Marathon last year.
Kenyan runner David Rudisha, a two-time Olympic champion and the world record holder in the 800 meters race, expressed via his social media, “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Jervis Hakizimana. This is a great loss.”
