Athletics Kenya (AK) first vice chairman, Kericho branch Gabriel Kiptanui, has sent a message of condolence to the family, the larger athletic community and friends of World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, who passed on in a tragic road accident five days ago at Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.
His Rwandese coach, Gavais Hakizimanana, also died in the same tragic accident.
Kiptanui said following the death of Kiptum, the athletic fraternity had lost one of the finest road runners in the country, whose ground breaking achievements and legacy of determination have left a mark in the sporting arena.
“He was a talented athlete and he was aiming to break the two-hour barrier at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 and also compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Besides, he was an inspiration to many upcoming athletes in Kericho. He was a simple, friendly and well-disciplined man. The athletics community in Kericho is in deep mourning over his untimely death,” said the Vice Chair.
In October, Kiptum won the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds, surpassing Kipchoge’s previous record of 2:00:9 set in 2022.
Kiptum will be buried at the family home in Chepsamo, near Eldoret, on 24th February this year.
By Sarah Njagi
