Kelvin Kiptum, at the young age of 24, has sadly passed away.
As reported by Sky News, Kiptum, renowned for holding the world marathon record and securing victory in the esteemed London Marathon last year, along with his coach, have both tragically lost their lives following a car accident.
Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos corroborated the news, stating that she visited the hospital where the bodies were taken for examination.
Chemos additionally confirmed that the accident took place on a road linking two towns in western Kenya, situated in a high-altitude region well-known as a training hub for long-distance runners.
Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya has passed away aged 24. Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty
Since the announcement of the news, tributes have been pouring in, with Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga leading the honors on X (formerly Twitter).
“Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight,” he wrote in a tweet. “My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity.”
“Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero,” Odinga added alongside a photo of the star athlete.
Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1Dmgyyhsk4
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 11, 2024
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe also tweeted about the devastating loss, describing Kiptum as an “incredible athlete.”
“He expressed profound shock and sorrow upon hearing the tragic news of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana’s heartbreaking loss,” he conveyed.
“On behalf of World Athletics, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan nation,” he continued, then added, “It was just earlier this week in Chicago, the very place where Kelvin set his remarkable marathon World Record, that I had the honor of officially ratifying his historic achievement.”
“Coe concluded by acknowledging Kelvin as an incredible athlete who leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, expressing a heartfelt sentiment of profound loss and dearly missed presence.”
We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 11, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/dDBKgjXNKL
British long-distance runner and former world record holder for the two-mile indoor race, Sir Mo Farah, also joined in paying tribute to the late star on X.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” he expressed in a heartfelt post on the social media platform. “Kelvin was an incredibly gifted athlete who had already accomplished so much. His talent was truly exceptional, and I firmly believe he would have gone on to achieve remarkable success in his career.”
Farah added, “My heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Kelvin and Gervais’ family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.”
I’m so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my… pic.twitter.com/bNXJA1FgBL
— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) February 12, 2024
Kiptum was honored at the Chicago Marathon last year for completing the race in an astonishing two hours and 35 seconds, surpassing the men’s world record previously held by fellow Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge.
His record received approval from the international track federation World Athletics just last week, shortly before the tragic accident occurred last night (February 11).
Kelvin Kiptum poses for a portrait after setting a world record during the Chicago Marathon. Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kiptum’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” expressed with heartfelt sympathy and support.
