Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s marathon world record holder, died in a car crash on Monday night near the town of Eldoret, in western Kenya. He was 24 years old.
Kiptum was travelling in a vehicle with his coach and a female passenger when the accident occurred at about 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT), according to police reports. The vehicle lost control and rolled over, killing Kiptum and his coach on the spot. The female passenger was injured and rushed to hospital.
Kiptum was the rising star of Kenyan athletics, having broken the world record in Chicago last October, running the 26.1 miles (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds. He beat the previous record set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, who was the first person to run a marathon in under two hours in a special event in Vienna.
A remarkable journey from borrowed shoes to world records
Kiptum’s journey to the top of the marathon world was remarkable, as he started his career on the road, unlike most Kenyan athletes who begin on the track. He ran his first full marathon in 2022, after competing in his first major event in 2018, running in borrowed shoes as he could not afford a pair of his own.
He told the BBC last year that his choice of road running was determined by a lack of resources. “I had no money to travel to track sessions,” he explained.
He quickly rose to prominence, winning several prestigious races, such as the London Marathon in 2023, where he beat Kipchoge in a thrilling finish. He also won the Berlin Marathon in 2022, setting a new course record.
He was among a new crop of Kenyan athletes who challenged the dominance of Kipchoge, who had won 11 out of 13 marathons he had entered since 2013. Kiptum was seen as his main rival and successor, as he had a similar running style and physique.
A dream cut short by a tragic accident
Kiptum had big plans for 2024, as he was preparing to attempt to run a marathon in under two hours in open competition, a feat that has never been achieved before. He was scheduled to run at the Rotterdam Marathon in April, where he hoped to make history.
His team announced last week that he was in good shape and confident of breaking the two-hour barrier. “He has been training very well and he is ready to go for it,” his manager said.
However, his dream was cut short by a tragic accident that shocked the world of athletics and his fans. Tributes poured in from fellow runners, officials, and celebrities, who expressed their sadness and condolences.
Kipchoge, who had a friendly rivalry with Kiptum, said he was devastated by the news. “He was a great athlete and a great person. He inspired me and many others with his achievements. He will be missed and remembered,” he wrote on Twitter.
The president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, also issued a statement, saying he was saddened by the loss of a national hero. “He was a shining star who brought glory to our country and lifted the spirits of millions of Kenyans. He was a role model and a source of pride for us. We mourn his passing and pray for his family and friends,” he said.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) also expressed its condolences, saying Kiptum was a remarkable talent who had a bright future ahead of him. “He was one of the best marathon runners of his generation and a pioneer of the sport. He showed what is possible with hard work and dedication. He was a joy to watch and a pleasure to work with. We are deeply saddened by his untimely death and we send our sympathies to his loved ones and the Kenyan athletics community,” the IAAF said in a statement.
A legacy that will live on
Kiptum’s death is a huge blow for Kenyan athletics, which has produced some of the greatest marathon runners in history. He was one of the most promising and popular athletes in the country, and had a huge fan base around the world.
He will be remembered for his achievements, his passion, and his humility. He was a humble and generous person, who supported many causes and charities. He was also a loving husband and father of two young children, who he adored.
He will also be remembered for his legacy, which will live on in the hearts and minds of those who admired him. He inspired many people with his story, his spirit, and his performance. He showed that anything is possible with determination and courage. He pushed the boundaries of human potential and made history.
He was a legend, a hero, and a friend. He was Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder.
