Kelvin Kiptom updates: Seb Coe leads the tributes as marathon world record holder passes in Kenya crash

Kenyan world record marathon runner Kelvin Kiptom and his coach were killed in a traffic accident in the Rift Valley on Sunday, cutting short the promising career of the only man to run the endurance classic in less than two hours and one minute.

The 24-year-old runner set the world record in the Chicago Marathon in October with a time of two hours and 35 seconds, surpassing the record of 2:01:09 set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin in 2022.

Kiptom, who has recorded three of the seven fastest marathons in history, was hoping to become the first man to run the marathon in under two hours in race conditions in Rotterdam in April, as well as make his Olympic debut in Paris in July.

Kiptom was a strong favorite to win gold this summer at the Paris Olympics.

While fans were excited for the first face-to-face confrontation with his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.

The tragic news now interrupts his blossoming career with huge potential given his elite three-distance performances and his ability and discipline to split negatives already at such a young age.

Kelvin Kiptum was one of the men's athletes at World Athletics last year.

Standing alongside fellow winners Noah Lyles and Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, as the IAAF split the award, Kiptum was recognized beyond the world of distance running.

Kelvin Kiptom's professional career began in 2018 at the Eldoret Half Marathon, where he achieved an impressive time of 1:02:01 at altitude. He would follow that up with a DNF in Stockholm in May 2019, then a 28:17 in Utrecht in 2019 in the 10km.

There will be another DNF in Brussels in 2020 in a one-hour race, with a half marathon in 2020: 1:00:57 in Marugame and then 59:59 in Den Haag.

Kiptum's career at shorter distances will end in 2021, including a 28:27.87 in a 10K race in Stockholm and two half marathons. One in Lens (59:35) and then the Valencia Half Marathon in 59:02.

Kelvin Kiptum Marathon Results

• Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon 2022: 2:01:53
• TCS London Marathon 2023: 2:01:25
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: 2:00:35

“We are shocked and saddened by the recent passing of Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin was a once-in-a-generation athlete at the prime of his career and there is no doubt in my mind that his greatest accomplishments were ahead of him. We were fortunate to witness his greatness on the streets of Chicago.

“While he will be celebrated for his record-breaking performance, I will remember him as an incredible talent and an even more amazing person. The sport of marathon running has suffered a tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Carrie Pinkowski, Executive Director of Race, Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

“Kelvin Kiptum was the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion and world record holder (2:00:35).”

Kenya's Sports Minister, Ababu Namwamba, declared on Channel

Former Prime Minister of Kenya: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a special person, Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. He and his coach tragically died in an accident tonight.

“My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends and the entire sports fraternity. Our nation grieves the terrible loss of a true hero.”