KENYA | Xinhua | The athletics world Monday paid tribute to marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana on Sunday night in northwest Kenya.
According to Elgeyo Market Police Commander Peter Mulinge, Kiptum was driving a sedan vehicle when it lost control and crashed along a road in Uasin Gishu County at around 11pm (20:00 GMT) on their way to his training camp in Kaptagat, killing him and his coach on the spot.
A third passenger – a woman identified by police as Sharon Kosgei – sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized in Eldoret.
“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,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe posted on X [formerly Twitter] as the country and world reeled in shock.
“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 added in his statement.
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