Men’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptam of Kenya has died in a road accident. His coach Rwandan Gervais Hakizimana also lost his life in this tragic road accident.
The incident took place at 11 pm local time on Sunday in western Kenya. The news agency AFP quoted the police as saying that Kiptam was driving the car himself. At one point the car lost control and overturned. Two died on the spot. A third female passenger, however, was taken to hospital with injuries.
Father-of-two Kiptam’s rise has been incredible. He participated in his first full marathon in 2022. Four years ago he played in his first major competition in borrowed shoes. He could not afford to buy shoes at that time.
This 24-year-old athlete set a world record at the Chicago Marathon in the United States last year. It took 2 hours 35 seconds to complete the 42 km race. And to achieve this feat, he broke the record of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge. Both these athletes have been named in Kenya’s preliminary squad for the Paris Olympics.
A shadow of grief has descended on the death of a famous runner of the country. Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba expressed his condolences. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said, ‘The country has lost a true hero.’
