Farewell to a Hero: Kelvin Kiptum’s untimely departure mourned
The Kenyan community is in mourning following the tragic loss of long-distance runner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a car accident that occurred in Rift Valley on Sunday, February 10th.
The accident took place as Kiptum was driving, with his coach and another passenger in the vehicle. Sadly, Kiptum lost control of the car, causing it to crash into a tree. One passenger sustained serious injuries, adding to the devastation of the incident.
Kiptum was a highly promising marathon runner with a bright future ahead of him. He had made significant strides in his career, setting a world record for the marathon in 2022 with an impressive time of 2:01:35. He was on track to become the first runner to complete a marathon in under two hours under race conditions, having clocked three of the seven fastest marathon times in history.
Prior to the accident, Kiptum was preparing to compete in the Rotterdam Marathon and the 2024 Olympics in Paris, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the sport.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, expressed his condolences, recognizing Kiptum’s remarkable talent and legacy, which will be deeply missed by the athletic community and the nation of Kenya.
Kiptum’s journey in professional running began in 2019 on the half-marathon circuit, where he quickly rose to prominence. He achieved a world record time at the 2022 Valencia Marathon and secured victories in prestigious races such as the 2022 Copenhagen Half Marathon, the 2021 Vienna City Marathon, and the 2020 Saitama International Marathon.
Born in 1998 in Iten, Kenya’s high-altitude Rift Valley, Kiptum’s passion for running was evident from a young age. Raised in a family of subsistence farmers, he was discovered by a coach at the age of 12 and began training with other talented young runners in Iten. His hard work and dedication paid off when he won the men’s race at the Prague Half Marathon in 2019, securing his place as a rising star in distance running and qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
