Marathon world record holder Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum is dead

Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, a native of Kenya, has died in a motor accident, local media reported on Sunday night.

Kiptum’s Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, was also killed in the accident.

The 24-year-old Kenyan star athlete was driving when the accident occurred, with two passengers, including Hakimimana, in the car.

A lady identified as Sharon Kosgey, the other passenger, survived with serious injuries.

Kiptum, in October last year, shattered the men’s world record to win the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.

He crushed the old world record of 2:01:09 set by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge by winning the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

It was Kiptum’s third victory in as many starts over the 26.2-mile distance. He won his debut in December 2022 at Valencia and then in the London Marathon in April 2023.