World marathon record holder and his coach die in road accident

World marathon record holder and London Marathon winner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach have died in a road accident, Kenya's former prime minister has said.

The 24-year-old won the London Marathon last year.

Kenya's former prime minister Raila Odinga said on X: "Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. 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 smashed the course record for the London Marathon last year, winning the men's event in the second-fastest marathon in history, crossing the finish line in two hours one minute and 25 seconds.

Last year he shattered the men's world record, winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.

He had also broken the old world record of two hours, one minute and nine seconds set by Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge when he won the Berlin Marathon in 2022.

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