Kenyan Marathon superstar, Kelvin Kiptum, dies in car accident

Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach were killed in a car crash. He was a rising star.

Tragedy struck the world of long-distance running in Kenya as 24-year-old marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in a car crash late Sunday. Kiptum, who had just had his world record ratified by World Athletics, was considered a rising star in the sport and a favorite for the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The crash occurred on a road between Eldoret and Kaptagat in western Kenya, with reports indicating that the car veered off the road at high speed, colliding with a tree before rolling. The only other passenger in the car, a woman, sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Kiptum had made history by becoming the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute in an official race, setting the world record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon. His untimely death has not only devastated the running community but also dashed hopes of an anticipated showdown with fellow Kenyan marathon great Eliud Kipchoge at the Paris Olympics.

Kiptum's tragic passing has left a void in the world of long-distance running, with his potential unfulfilled and dreams of Olympic glory shattered. His absence will be deeply felt, and the sport has lost a promising talent. His planned participation in the Rotterdam Marathon in April would have marked his return to competitive racing since setting the world record, but now the running world is left to mourn the loss of a young athlete with so much promise.

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