World marathon record holder and London Marathon winner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach have died in a car crash, Kenya’s former prime minister has said.
The 24-year-old won the London Marathon last year.
His coach was also killed in the crash, Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos said.
The crash happened on a road between two towns in western Kenya, she said, in a high-altitude region renowned as a training base for long distance runners.
Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga said on X: “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.
“My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity.
“Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
Kiptum smashed the course record for the London Marathon last year, winning the men’s event in the second-fastest marathon in history, crossing the finish line in two hours one minute and 25 seconds.
Last year he shattered the men’s world record, winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds, beating the mark of fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge.
His record was ratified by international track federation World Athletics last week.
Kiptum celebrates his Chicago Marathon world record. Pic: AP
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