Kelvin Kiptum updates: Seb Coe leads tributes as marathon world record holder dies in Kenya crash | Top Vip News

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

“On behalf of all of World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the nation of Kenya. “An incredible athlete who leaves an incredible legacy, he will be greatly missed.”

Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died in a car accident in the Rift Valley on Sunday, cutting short the promising career of the only man to have run the endurance classic in less than two hours and a minute.

The 24-year-old set the world record at the Chicago Marathon in October with a time of two hours and 35 seconds to surpass compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s mark of 2:01:09 in Berlin in 2022.

Kiptum, who recorded three of the seven fastest marathon times in history, was hoping to become the first man to run the marathon in under two hours under racing conditions in Rotterdam in April, as well as make his Olympic debut in Paris in July.

Kiptum was a heavy favorite to win gold this summer at the Paris Olympics.

While fans were excited for a first head-to-head confrontation with compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.

The tragic news now cuts short a flourishing career with immense potential given his three performances at the iconic distance and his ability and discipline to negatively divide already at such a young age.

Kelvin Kiptum was one of World Athletics’ Male Athletes of the Year last year.

Posing alongside fellow winners Noah Lyles and Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, as World Athletics split the prize, Kiptum was recognized outside the world of distance running.

Kelvin Kiptum’s professional career began in 2018 at the Eldoret Half Marathon, running an impressive 1:02:01 at altitude. He would follow up with a DNF in Stockholm in May 2019, then a 28:17 in Utrecht in 2019 in the 10k.

There would be another DNF in Brussels in 2020 in a one-hour race, with two half marathons in 2020: a 1:00:57 in Marugame and then a 59:59 in Den Haag.

Kiptum’s career in the shorter distances would end in 2021, including 28:27.87 in the 10 km in Stockholm and two half marathons; one in Lens (59:35) and then the Valencia half marathon in 59:02.

Kelvin Kiptum Marathon Results

• Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP Marathon 2022: 2:01:53
• TCS London Marathon 2023: 2:01:25
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: 2:00:35

“We are shocked and saddened by the news of the recent death of Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin was a once-in-a-generation athlete at the forefront of his career and I have no doubt that his greatest achievements were ahead of him. We were lucky enough to witness his greatness on the streets of Chicago.

“While he will be celebrated for his record-breaking performances, I will remember him as an incredible talent and an even more magnificent person. The sport of the marathon has suffered a tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director, Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

“Kelvin Kiptum was the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion and world record holder (2:00:35).”

Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba announced on X: “Devastatingly disgusting! Kenya has lost a special gem. Speechless.”