Chicago Marathon Winner Killed In Car Crash

CHICAGO ? Kelvin Kiptum, who broke a world record while winning the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, died in a car crash in Kenya.

Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in the crash around 11 p.m., police said, near the town of Kaptagat in the western part of the country, where the 24-year-old marathoner was born and raised. Kiptum was driving when the vehicle veered off the road into a ditch and hit a tree, according to police, who said a 24-year-old woman in the car was seriously injured.

?Kelvin was a once in a generation athlete at the front of his career and there is no doubt in my mind that his greatest achievements were ahead of him,? Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Chicago Marathon, said in a prepared statement. ?We were lucky to witness his greatness on the streets of Chicago.?

His winning time in October was 2:00:35 and marked the first-ever marathon run below 2:01 in an officially sanctioned competition.

?Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon,? Prime Minister Raila Odinga said in a social media post. ?Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.?

Kiptum claimed the fastest-ever debut time at 2:01:53 in the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where he became the third-fastest marathon runner in history, according to the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, which noted that four months later he won the TCS London Marathon with a course record of 2:01:25.

?The fastest marathon debutant in Valencia, London's course record holder and the world record holder in Chicago, all within the space of less than 12 months,? London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher told Abbott World Marathon Majors. ?His was a flame that burned so bright and last night was tragically put out.?

Kiptum is survived by his wife and two children.

?His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future,? Kenyan President William Ruto said in a social media post. ?An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe.?

The Associated Press contributed to this story.