More Details emerge as Reports Dive Into Kiptum’s Last Intense Weeks before Tragic Accident.
More Details emerge as Reports Dive Into Kiptum’s Last Two Weeks before Tragic Accident: On Monday, February 12, morning, Kenyans and the world’s athletics community woke up to the sad news of the death of World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum following a road accident along Eldoret- Kaptagat road.
According to a police report, The vehicle Kiptum landed in a ditch claiming both his life and that of his coach, Rwandan national Gervais Hakizimana, on the spot. A lady who was in the car with them survived after sustaining serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The statement read, “Upon reaching the location of the accident, he lost control and veered off-road entering into a ditch on his left side. He drove in the ditch for about 60 meters before hitting a big tree.”
“As a result, Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died on the spot whereas Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment,” read part of the report.
Last week, the World Athletics officially ratified his record, cementing him as the fastest marathoner on the planet.
Notably, In his last weeks, the marathoner was engaged in intense exercise ahead of the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon in which he was expected to face off with Eliud Kipchoge.
His coach Hakizimana, in an earlier interview, revealed that Kiptum engages in an intense training regimen in which he accomplishes between 250 kilometres and 300 kilometres.
The coach stated, “During the preparation for London, we spent three weeks at more than 300km. That’s a very large volume. He works a lot on endurance. When he’s training, he’s strong.”
Hakizamana previously admitted to how intense the exercise process can be and noted that he was worried for the athlete but insisted that Kiptum only rested when he was tired.
Hakizamana stated, “He’s very strong. He does all the training properly. He’s in his best years but at some point, I’m afraid he’ll get injured.”