Kelvin Kiptum dies in a tragic traffic accident

The sports world is in mourning after the death of Kelvin Kiptum, world marathon record holder, at the young age of 24, in a traffic accident in Kenya, along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

The fatal incident occurred on the road connecting Eldoret to Kaptagat in the Rift Valley, home and training ground for many of the world's best marathoners.

Kiptum, who had set a new marathon world record with an impressive time of 2:00:35 in Chicago last year, was in a Toyota with his coach and Sharon Kosgei, who survived the accident with serious injuries.

Kiptum reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which went off the road, hit a tree and fell into a ditch.

Considered by many as the athlete destined to break the two-hour marathon barrier, Kiptum had only run three marathons in his career.

He debuted in Valencia in 2022 with the fastest time for a debutant (2:01:53), before winning in London in 2:01:25 and then setting the world record in Chicago.

His achievements placed him as one of the fastest runners in history, and his death represents an irreparable loss for athletics.

From Triathlon news we send our deepest condolences to family and friends