Kenya: death of Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world record holder

Kenya: death of Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world record holder

ByThe Mwebantu Team

This Monday, February 12, 2024, tributes are pouring in following the tragic death of Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder, in a road accident.

Kelvin Kiptum, 24, was considered a favorite for the gold medal at the Paris Games this summer. The tragedy occurred on Sunday evening around 8:00 p.m. GMT in the Rift Valley region, where the athlete was training. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also lost his life in the accident, while a woman was taken to hospital.

According to local authorities, Kelvin Kiptum was driving the vehicle towards Eldoret when he lost control, causing it to swerve fatally. His meteoric rise in the marathon world was marked by breaking the world record in Chicago last October, setting a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes and 34 seconds, beating his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.

After the sad news, Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to the memory of this “extraordinary sportsman” praising his mental strength and discipline. The news of his death has deeply shaken the sporting community, with tributes coming from various personalities and organizations, including the International Athletics Federation and the president of the Kenya National Olympic Committee, Paul Tergat.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.