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In a devastating turn of events, Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan athlete who held the men’s marathon world record, met an untimely demise in a road accident in his home country at the age of 24. The sports world is in shock and mourning as Kiptum’s promising career was abruptly cut short, leaving the running community and fans across the globe in sorrow.

Kiptum’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. He burst onto the international scene in 2018, entering his first major competition with borrowed shoes due to financial constraints. The indomitable spirit and raw talent displayed by Kiptum captured the imagination of many, and he quickly became a symbol of perseverance and dedication.

His journey took a significant turn in 2022 when he participated in his first full marathon. Overcoming various challenges, Kiptum’s determination and passion for running set him on a trajectory that would rewrite the record books.

The pinnacle of his career came in October 2023 during the Chicago Marathon, where Kiptum, in only his third marathon, shattered the world record by a remarkable 34 seconds. Crossing the finish line in just two hours and 35 seconds, he left an indelible mark on the sport, etching his name in history.

Tragically, this historic achievement would be his last race. The news of his passing, along with his coach Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana, has sent shockwaves through the running community and beyond.

Author Adharanand Finn, paying tribute to the “insanely brilliant” runner, described Kiptum as a “complete paradigm shift for the sport.” Finn highlighted the athlete’s remarkable journey from running in borrowed shoes to rewriting the marathon record books in just a few short years. Kiptum’s story resonated not only with running enthusiasts but with anyone who admired resilience and the pursuit of excellence against all odds.

The loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach is not just a blow to the athletics world but a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. As the running community mourns the untimely departure of a young and promising talent, Kiptum’s legacy will endure as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and a testament to the transformative power of determination and passion in the face of adversity.