The world has lost a legend.
Kelvin Kiptum, who last year ran the fastest marathon in history, died in a car crash along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, on Sunday night in Eldoret, Kenya.
Kiptum was just 24 years old. Hakizimana was 36.
Kiptum’s time of 2 hours, 35 seconds at the 2023 Chicago Marathon was ratified by World Athletics just last week, meaning he died as the official world record-holder in the marathon. He was also projected by many to become the first runner to break the elusive two-hour mark in the marathon.
In a short professional career that spanned just three major marathons (Valencia 2022, London 2023, Chicago 2023), Kiptum cemented a legacy as one of the all-time greats. He ran three of the seven fastest marathon times in history and was set to represent Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kiptum was born in the Elgeyo-Marakwet County of Kenya in 1999. He began running in village running groups when he was 13, borrowing others’ shoes until he could afford to buy his own. He molded himself into a legend with intense training, toiling through between 150 and 170 miles per week.
Kiptum's father, Samson Cheruiyot, is a farmer in Kenya's Rift Valley. In a recent interview with Citizen TV, he revealed that his son had, just a day before his death, promised to build him a house and buy him a car through his running profits.
Kiptum is also survived by his wife and two children. He leaves behind a legacy of rigorous dedication, wide ambition and, of course, jaw-dropping accomplishment.
“I will get close to the sub-two barrier, so why not aim to break it?” Kiptum said at a press conference before the Rotterdam Marathon last year. “That might look ambitious, but I’m not afraid. ... There’s no limit to human energy.”
In the aftermath of the tragic news, tributes to Kiptum have poured in from all corners of the globe.
Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge
Rest in peace Kelvin. â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/QqivOklTxk
— Eliud Kipchoge - EGHð°ðª (@EliudKipchoge) February 12, 2024
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe
— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 11, 2024We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
It was only earlier this week in⦠pic.twitter.com/dDBKgjXNKL
IOC President Thomas Bach
It is with extreme sadness that I learnt of the tragic passing of world marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya in a car accident. We had been looking forward to welcoming him into the Olympic community at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and seeing what the fastest marathon⦠pic.twitter.com/G84rzZsq0q
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) February 12, 2024
Two-time 800m Olympic champion David Rudisha
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. My condolences to the families, friends,athletic fraternity and Kenya at large. This is a huge loss. pic.twitter.com/UwZ0FiywSr
— David Rudisha OLY (@rudishadavid) February 12, 2024
Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah
Iâm so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my⦠pic.twitter.com/bNXJA1FgBL
— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) February 12, 2024
Five-time Olympian Bernard Lagat
— Bernard Lagat OLY (@Lagat1500) February 12, 2024Please- someone tell me this isnât true ð
Iâm shocked to hear of the tragic accident that took the lives of Kevin Kiptum (WR Holder- Marathon) and his Coach today. Gone too soon.
RIP Champion ðð¾ pic.twitter.com/NxPcNtWLkF
William Ruto, President of Kenya
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 12, 2024Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the worldâs finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.
He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum⦠pic.twitter.com/Ff7nild1CG
Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya
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. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1Dmgyyhsk4
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 11, 2024
Nike, Kiptum's Sponsor
London Marathon
— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) February 13, 2024"He gave us just a glimmer that it was possible".
History is eternal â¾ï¸
Kelvin Kiptum ðï¸
1999-2024 pic.twitter.com/NSZOGM9HV9
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