World Record Holder And Potential Olympic Gold Medal Contender Dies In Crash In Kenya

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Photo via Image of Sport

There was tragic news Sunday out of Kenya as word spread that world record marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, just 24, was killed in an auto accident. 

Kiptum won the Chicago Marathon last fall in 2 hours and 35 seconds, the fastest ever on a record-eligible course. 

Kiptum ran three of the seven fastest marathons in history. 

The accident happened near Kaptagat, Kenya and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana also perished in the accident. Local police stated that Kiptum was the driver and that he lost control of the vehicle and rolled. A female passenger was also injured in the crash.

World Athletics ratified Kiptum's marathon as a record just last week, according to ESPN.com.