World Athletics president mourns Kelvin Kiptum

World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe has mourned the World Marathon Record holder, Kelvin Kiptum who passed on through a tragic road accident on Sunday night along Eldoret -Ravine road in Keiyo South Sub-County, Elegyo Marakwet County.

The world Athletics president through a press release termed the demise as shocking and devastating.

“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,” said Coe.

Coe had five days ago ratified the World Record that Kiptum had set last year at the Chicago Marathon where he became the first man to run 2:00.35.

“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,” he concluded.

The 24 year-old who was driving his car, a KDL 566F Toyota Premio and carrying two passengers, his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana and a female passenger, Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei.

According to Police report at the Kaptagat Police Station, OB No. 19/11/02/2024 at 23:17 hours, Kiptum, lost control of his car and veered off the road, entering into a ditch on his left side and drove for an estimated 60m before hitting a tree.