Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in western Kenya. The incident occurred as they were traveling from Kaptaget to Eldoret late on Saturday night. Kiptum, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal rollover. Both Kiptum and Hakizimana died at the scene, while a female passenger sustained injuries and was hospitalized.

The news of their untimely deaths shocked the global athletics community. Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the people of Kenya. Kiptum, renowned for his remarkable achievement of setting a world record time of 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon, had captivated the world with his extraordinary talent and determination. His record-breaking run in Chicago marked a historic moment in marathon history, solidifying his legacy as an exceptional athlete.

Despite his young age of 23 at the time of the record, Kiptum had already left an indelible mark on the sport. His promising career was tragically cut short, as he had been preparing for further challenges, including an attempt to break the two-hour mark in the Rotterdam Marathon. Alongside his athletic prowess, Kiptum's journey from humble beginnings as a shepherd to becoming a world-class athlete served as an inspiration to many.

Gervais Hakizimana, hailing from Rwanda, played a pivotal role in Kiptum's development as a runner. Their partnership blossomed in Kenya, where Hakizimana had been training for years. Their bond transcended mere coach and athlete; it was a testament to the power of mentorship and camaraderie in the pursuit of excellence. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hakizimana remained steadfast in his dedication to Kiptum's training and success.

The tragic accident not only robbed the athletics world of two remarkable individuals but also left a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired them. Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana will be dearly missed, their legacies enduring as symbols of perseverance, talent, and the unbreakable spirit of the human endeavor.