World Mourns Death Of Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum

Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana died Sunday night after being involved in a tragic road accident in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County whose impact could be seen in the heavily damaged vehicle they were travelling in.

The athlete died at the age of 24 when his athletics career was on an upward trajectory, having recently smashed the men’s marathon world record with an astonishing run of 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon in October. He became the first man to complete the 42km race in under two hours and one minute .

Following the news of his demise, the athletics fraternity, sporting community and leaders alike took to social media to mourn the departed hero.

Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.          

He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum… pic.twitter.com/Ff7nild1CG

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 12, 2024

We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.      

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

— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 11, 2024

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 is deeply saddened to hear that marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a road traffic accident on Sunday at the age of 24.         

Obit: 🔗 https://t.co/0CF1NbAzgw pic.twitter.com/TgWepi0cok

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 11, 2024

Rest in peace Kelvin. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QqivOklTxk

— Eliud Kipchoge - EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) February 12, 2024

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. My condolences to the families, friends,athletic fraternity and Kenya at large. This is a huge loss. pic.twitter.com/UwZ0FiywSr

— David Rudisha OLY (@rudishadavid) February 12, 2024

#KelvinKiptum pic.twitter.com/2I3jydcZW2

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) February 12, 2024

All his three marathons are under 2:02. His was the only men's world record set outside the Berlin Marathon in all the last 9 world records. He was yet to represent the country in Worlds and Olympics... There was still so many unfinished businesses for Kelvin Kiptum pic.twitter.com/1RBVAoWXz0

— Justin Lagat (@LagatJustin) February 12, 2024

Incredibly shocking & saddening news that superstar Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum, who recently smashed the world marathon record, was tipped to break 2hr barrier, & due for epic Paris Olympics showdown with Eliud Kipchoge, has been killed in a car crash aged just 24. RIP. pic.twitter.com/VxZRhKwVLX

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 12, 2024

In memory of Kelvin Kiptum, relive the moment he broke Eliud Kipchoge's marathon world record. 🏃‍♂️💨  

In October last year, the Kenyan finished the Chicago marathon in 2:00:35, shaving over 30 seconds off Kipchoge's best effort. ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/mrsLOw6IwG

— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 12, 2024