In Summary
- The 24-year-old Kenyan athlete and his coach died at the scene of the crash
- A third occupant survived with serious injuries, Mulinge added.
- Kiptum’s world record marathon time of 2:00:35 set in the Chicago Marathon in October last year was ratified just days ago
Current marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a road accident Sunday night outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret, Kenyan police confirmed.
The 24-year-old Kenyan athlete, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and his coach died at the scene of the crash.
A third occupant survived with serious injuries.
READ also: Double Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon, Kiptum, Omanyala among Kenyans Feted On Jamhuri Day
Kiptum’s world record marathon time of 2:00:35 set in the Chicago Marathon in October last year was ratified just days ago by World Athletics. He had only switched to running the marathon from shorter distance races a year before setting that record pace.
Hakizimana, 36 was a former professional athlete from Rwanda who participated in different races from the 5,000 meter to the half marathon.
His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also died in the crash, while a third person is said to have been rushed to hospital.
READ Also:Kelvin Kiptum’s Marathon World Record Ratified
Kenyans Heartbroken
Raila Odinga, was among those to pay his respects, writing 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. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
Those sentiments were shared by Kenya’s minister for sports, Ababu Namwamba, who added on X: “Devastatingly sickening! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”
Meanwhile the president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” he added.
