Nairobi News

Kenyan marathoner Elid Kipchoge has joined the world in mourning the sudden death of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Through a message on his X platform, the greatest marathoner said that he had been saddened by the death of his colleague.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the marathon world record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God you during this trying time,” Kipchoge said.

Kipchoge was expected to face off with Kiptum at the Rotterdam Marathon in April this year in a race that he was hoping to become the first man to break two hours for the marathon on a record-eligible course.

Also read: Kelvin Kiptum’s death deprives world of Eliud Kipchoge Paris Olympics showdown

Kiptum died following a grisly road accident that happened on Sunday night along Eldoret-Kaptagat Road after losing control.

The world record holder died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana.

Kiptum’s death comes six days after the World Athletics ratified his time, putting him ahead of elite marathoner, Kipchoge.

Kiptum, 24, rose to the international stage following his impressive performance at the Chicago Marathon, where he crossed the line in a world record of 2:00:35.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has mourned him as an incredible athlete who had a brighter future.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation,” President Coe said.

“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

Also read: Kenyan politicians mourn athletics icon Kelvin Kiptum