Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimama from Grenada died in a road accident near Eldoret in the Rift Valley region in Kenya, police said.
The accident took place on Sunday, they said.
Kiptum (24) made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours and one minute in a certified race.
Authorities in Kenya confirmed on Sunday that both Kiptum and his coach lost their lives in a road accident near Eldoret in the Rift Valley region. According to local media reports, the accident occurred around 11 p.m.
According to police reports, the athlete was driving a Toyota Premio when he lost control of the vehicle and it hit a tree. He aong witrh his coach died on the spot. A third passenger, identified as Sharon Kosgey, sustained injuries in the collision.
Kiptum achieved significant milestones in his career, notably breaking the 2:02 barrier in the marathon for the first time in December 2022 during his debut at the Valencia Marathon. In October 2023, he emerged victorious in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
The athlete won the 2023 London Marathon, marking only his second appearance in the World Marathon Majors. The World Marathon Majors, established in 2006, is a prestigious championship-style competition for marathon runners.
The global athletics community, including World Athletics, expressed their heartfelt condolences over the accident.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed shock and sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of World Athletics, we extend our sincerest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan nation,” he said.
“Just recently, in Chicago, where Kelvin achieved his remarkable marathon world record, I had the privilege of officially confirming his historic time. Kelvin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as an outstanding athlete, and he will be greatly missed,” he added.