Eliud Kipchoge has joined the world in mourning the untimely passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder who tragically lost his life in a road accident.
Expressing his sorrow, Kipchoge offered heartfelt condolences to Kiptum’s family, acknowledging the promising athlete’s untimely departure.
“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 comfort you during this trying time,” said Kipchoge.
Before his death, Kiptum’s aspirations were high, as he was preparing for the Rotterdam Marathon in April this year, aiming to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon on a record-eligible course
Fans eagerly anticipated a possible showdown between the two athletes at the Paris Olympics, especially after Kiptum set the World Record in the Chicago Marathon, clocking splits of 1:00:48 and 59:47 to finish with a world record time of 2:00:35, surpassing Kipchoge’s previous record set in 2022.
Kiptum was driving his vehicle with his coach and a female passenger when the accident occurred near Kaptagat Forest.
The vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and plunged 60 meters into a ditch before colliding with a tree.
Tragically, Kiptum and his coach succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the female passenger sustained life-threatening injuries.
