Record-Breaking Future Olympian Killed With His Coach

(NationRise.com) – Iconic long-distance runner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died after a car crash while driving in Kenya on February 11th.

The 24-year-old broke a record in 2023 during a run at the Chicago Marathon after becoming the first person to finish it in less than 2 hours and 1 minute. The previous record holder was also from Kenya. His results were ratified by the global organization World Athletics just days before his death. He and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, 36, were both from Kenya.

The crash occurred around 11 pm local time. They were driving between the western Kenyan cities of Kaptagat and Eldoret. The area is located at a higher altitude, making it a popular spot for distance runners during their training seasons.

Fellow Kenyan athlete Milcah Chemos confirmed their deaths during an interview with The Associated Press. She identified Kiptum’s body with this family at the morgue. Members of Kenya’s track federation expressed sorrow over their unexpected deaths. Local news outlets said that another woman accompanied them in the car. She survived but was hospitalized in critical condition.

They also reported that no other vehicles were involved. Pictures from the scene show heavy damage to the top of the car, indicating that it may have rolled over.

Kiptum was scheduled to run in April during the Rotterdam Marathon in the Netherlands.

He also set a record at the Valencia Marathon in Spain as the race’s fastest debutant. That race occurred in 2022, a year before he established the Chicago record. He also won a race in London earlier in 2023.

He began running competitively as a teenager. He continued showing phenomenal progress, eventually gaining international attention in recent years. That propelled him to travel the world to compete in races. He was also considered a favorite for the summer Olympic gold during this year’s competitions in Paris. His career would have likely led to multiple appearances at future Olympic games.

Kiptum leaves behind a wife and two children.