Kelvin Kiptum dead: World record holder & London Marathon winner dies aged just 24 as world mourns
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MARATHON world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died at the age of 24.
The Kenyan long distance runner was killed in a traffic accident, his family have confirmed.
The tragedy took place at Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravione Road in southwestern Kenya on Sunday.
Local reports state that Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers on board at the time of his death.
His coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakiziman, also lost his life during the accident.
A lady identified as Sharon Kosgey was the other passenger.
She survived the impact but with serious injuries, and was rushed to Racecourse Hospital for medical attention.
The bodies of Kiptum and Hakiziman were taken to the hospitals mortuary.
Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Petr Mulinge confirmed the accident took place at approximately 11pm (8pm GMT).
According to Mulinge, Kiptum had lost control of the vehicle, veering off the road and landing in a ditch about 60 metres away before colliding with a tree.
He added that Kiptum and Hakizimana "died on the spot".
Kiptum was best known for holding the marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds, which was only ratified last week by World Athletics.
He was currently training to run just under two hours at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.
Kiptum was also selected by Kenya for this summer's 2024 Olympics in Paris.