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World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in traffic accident

Sports Desk, Feb 11 (EFE).- Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, world marathon record holder, died Sunday along with his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana in a traffic accident in Kenya, local media reported.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet police commander Peter Mulinge, the accident occurred around 11:00 p.m. local time and the car, a Toyota Premio Toyota, was being driven by the athlete.

A third passenger, Sharon Kosgey, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Kiptum, 24, had competed in only three marathons in his short sporting career. He made his debut in Valencia in December 2022, running the fastest time ever for a debutant in the race (2:01:53).

In April 2023, Kiptum won his first race in London in 2:01:25, and in October, he broke the world record in Chicago in 2:00:35, shattering the previous record set by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge a year earlier in Berlin by 26 seconds.

This record was ratified by World Athletics only five days before his death on Feb. 6.

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

drl/ics

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