On Sunday came the tragic news that the Kenyan marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, had lost his life in a tragic traffic accident.
It is currently unknown what caused the accident, but it is reported that he must have lost control of the vehicle.
The accident happened at the Kaptagat area in southwest Kenya, a high-altitude area where many long-distance runners train.
His trainer, Garvais Hakizimana, also lost his life in the same accident.
Kiptum ran to a crazy world record in October, finishing in 2:00.35 in the Chicago Marathon.
Also read: Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum dead in road accident
Warns against the traffic
Norway’s best long-distance runner, Sondre Nordstad Moen, has himself had dozens of training stays in Kenya.
– It is of course just tragic, and of course very special that it is a young world record holder who dies. He has had a rather sick development, the athlete tells Nettavisen.
After several stays in Kenya, the native of Trønder has registered several car accidents, and he himself has experienced driving trips where the speed has been very high.
It is currently unknown why Kiptum lost control of the vehicle.
Read also: Dahir Rabi broke Nordås’ Norwegian record in the 5 kilometer street race
– It is a tragic coincidence that this is happening exactly with Kiptum.
Tribute to Kiptum
Nordstad Moen is still betting hard on long distances, and has a personal marathon record of 2.05.48.
He praises Kiptum’s courage as a runner:
– He was fearless, especially in the race plan he laid out. Especially considering how few marathons he had run. The finishes he has had, especially the race in London, are not often seen.
– How will he be remembered?
– Now his career ended with only three completed marathons, but it is one of the best we have set by a runner throughout history. There is no doubt about that, concludes Nordstad Moen.