In a tragic turn of events, the world of athletics mourns the loss of Kenyan long-distance runner Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, who, at the age of 24, passed away in a road accident on February 11, 2024, along with his esteemed coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

Kelvin Kiptum rose to prominence with unparalleled speed and determination, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe.

Born on December 2, 1999, in the high-altitude Chepsamo village of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, Kiptum's journey began as a young boy herding cattle, following barefoot runners through forest trails.

His athletic prowess emerged in 2013 when, at the age of 13, he participated in his first half marathon, displaying a natural talent that would eventually rewrite marathon history. Kiptum's rapid ascent continued, marked by victories and record-breaking performances that culminated in his world record-setting run at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

In a career filled with exceptional achievements, Kiptum's groundbreaking moments include becoming the third man ever to break the 2:02 barrier in the marathon, achieving a stunning victory at the 2022 Valencia Marathon with a record debut time of 2:01:53, and triumphing at the 2023 London Marathon with the second-fastest time in history, just 16 seconds shy of the world record.

However, it was at the 2023 Chicago Marathon that Kiptum etched his name into the annals of sports history, shattering the world record by 34 seconds with an astonishing time of two hours and 35 seconds. His incredible ability to negative split, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, showcased Kiptum as a true marathon virtuoso.

Behind Kiptum's success was his dedicated coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who played a pivotal role in shaping the athlete's training regimen. Kiptum's rigorous routine included logging 250 to 280 kilometers per week, featuring daily morning runs, track workouts, and intense long runs at close to marathon pace.

Tragically, the promising journey of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach was cut short on February 11, 2024, in a road traffic accident. Kiptum, driving a Toyota Premio, lost control and veered off the road, ultimately colliding with a tree. The accident claimed both Kiptum and Hakizimana's lives, leaving behind a void in the world of athletics.

Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and unparalleled achievements. As the marathon community mourns this devastating loss, Kiptum's indomitable spirit will forever inspire generations of runners to push the boundaries of human endurance.