Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world document holder, dies in Kenya automobile accident | EUROtoday

Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, 37, have been each killed within the accident, whereas a 24-year-old girl recognized as Sharon Kosgey suffered severe accidents and was taken to a close-by hospital, he mentioned. No different automobiles have been concerned within the crash.

Kiptum made worldwide headlines in October when he received the Chicago marathon in 2 hours and 35 seconds, making him the primary man to run an official race in underneath 2 hours and 1 minute, and overtaking fellow Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge’s document. A yr prior, Kiptum had by no means even raced in a marathon.

Kelvin Kiptum practically breaks two-hour barrier with world marathon document

“I didn’t know I’d be a great marathon runner,” he advised a reporter after his Chicago victory, quietly describing his talent as one thing that got here naturally.

David Rudisha, a two-time Olympic champion runner for Kenya within the 800-meter race, wrote on X that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Kiptum and Hakizimana’s deaths. “This is a huge loss,” he mentioned.

Raila Odinga, the previous prime minister of Kenya and a outstanding opposition chief within the nation, known as Kiptum a “remarkable individual” and “Kenyan Athletics icon.”

“Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero,” he mentioned on social media.

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Kiptum was slated to run the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon within the Netherlands this April, and had mentioned he was aiming to run the race in underneath two hours. He additionally had his eye on the Paris Olympics this summer time.

“I have just started my training, and I hope to go there and do my best,” he advised World Athletics in an interview revealed in December. “Maybe to beat my time. I think I try each time to push my limit.”