The athletics world expresses profound sorrow upon learning about the tragic passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the esteemed marathon world record-holder, who succumbed to a fatal road traffic accident on Sunday at the tender age of 24.

The untimely demise of Kelvin Kiptum's coach, Gervais Hakizimana, unfolded tragically as both lost their lives in a fatal accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road, where the Kenyan distance runner was involved.

Kiptum swiftly rose as one of the most promising talents in road running in recent times, making a striking debut in the marathon scene in December 2022 with an impressive victory in Valencia, crossing the finish line in 2:01:53. Surpassing expectations, within a year and merely in his third marathon, he astounded the world by shattering the existing record, clocking an astonishing 2:00:35 to claim victory in Chicago.

His recognition as the 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men's out-of-stadia events was the result of his outstanding accomplishments, including a record-setting victory at the London Marathon with a remarkable time of 2:01:25 and his groundbreaking world record in Chicago, where he clocked an impressive 2:00:35.

Hailing from Chepsamo village in Chepkorio, situated approximately 30km from Eldoret in the Rift Valley, Kiptum spent his formative years assisting on his family's cattle farm. His interest in running sparked around the age of 13, inspired by observing local marathon athletes navigating the trails and roads of his hometown.

Following his initial exposure to running, Kiptum ventured into his inaugural half marathon, the Eldoret Half Marathon, securing the 10th position in the overall standings. Remarkably, within a span of five years, by the age of 18 in 2018, he not only participated but emerged victorious in the very same race.

However, Kiptum's prowess truly shone in longer distances, as demonstrated prominently during the 2022 Valencia Marathon. Initially running in the company of a sizable lead pack, they reached the halfway point in 1:01:42. It was at the 30km mark that Kiptum noticeably accelerated the pace, showcasing his exceptional endurance and strategic race management.

Kelvin Kiptum, the promising Kenyan distance runner, left an indelible mark in the world of road running with his extraordinary performances. His debut in the 2022 Valencia Marathon was nothing short of historic, as he clocked an impressive 2:01:53, securing not only the win but also the title of the fastest debut marathon in history, placing him third on the world all-time list behind running legends Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. Kiptum's distinctive strategy of unleashing a rapid pace in the second half of the race became a trademark, evident once again in the 2023 London Marathon, where he claimed victory with a course record of 2:01:25. His meteoric rise in road running, marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence, has left the athletics community mourning his tragic loss at the young age of 24.

Maintaining his trademark strategy of an accelerated pace in the latter part of the race, Kelvin Kiptum showcased his exceptional abilities at the Chicago Marathon merely six months after his debut. Running splits of 1:00:48 and an astonishing 59:47, Kiptum shattered the world record with an unprecedented time of 2:00:35. This remarkable achievement not only solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in marathon running but also surpassed Eliud Kipchoge's world record set in 2022 by an impressive margin of 34 seconds. Kiptum's consistent pursuit of excellence and his ability to redefine marathon running garnered him widespread acclaim in the athletic community.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga spearheaded the expressions of tribute for Kelvin Kiptum, the recent recipient of World Athletic's Male Athlete of the Year award, highlighting the profound impact of his achievements in the athletic world.

“Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon,” Odinga wrote on X.

“Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. “My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”

Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics and a double Olympic gold medalist, characterized Kelvin Kiptum with admiration and respect, acknowledging his significant contributions to the world of athletics.

“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 Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.”

“An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

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