Men’s world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum passed away on Sunday in a deadly car accident, per reports. The news was confirmed by Kiptum’s family, as well as traffic base commandant Dennis Muga.
He was 24.
“Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon,” Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
Kiptum burst onto the scene in 2023, winning two marathons and breaking the world record in the event.
He won the London Marathon last April, running 2:01.25 in the race. He followed up that remarkable performance in the fall, breaking the world record in the event with his time of 2:00.35 at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
