In a devastating turn of events, world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana have tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road in the Kaptagat area.
The accident, which occurred on Sunday at 11 p.m., according to Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge, involved Kiptum, who was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers onboard – Hakizimana and a lady identified as Sharon Kosgey, heading towards Eldoret.
While Sharon Kosgey sustained serious injuries and was promptly rushed to Racecourse Hospital for medical attention, the bodies of the esteemed athlete and his coach were transported to the Racecourse Hospital mortuary.
The vehicle, severely damaged in the accident, was towed to Kaptagat Police Station.
“This was a tragic accident involving Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, who was driving his vehicle with two passengers. Kiptum and Hakizimana succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the third occupant was rushed to Racecourse Hospital in Eldoret,” stated the County Commander.
Kiptum, whose marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds was recently ratified by World Athletics, had been eagerly preparing to participate in the Rotterdam Marathon scheduled for April 14 of this year, with aspirations of breaking the elusive two-hour barrier. Additionally, he had been selected to represent Kenya at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
According to Mulinge, Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, collided with a large tree, and eventually landed in a nearby ditch, approximately 60 meters away.
The news of Kiptum and Hakizimana’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, leaving a profound void in the hearts of fans and fellow athletes alike.
