The anticipated Kenyan trials for the 2024 African Games, slated for this weekend in Nairobi, have been called off as a gesture of respect for the late marathon legend Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a recent road accident alongside his Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
Athletics Kenya (AK) conveyed the cancellation in a statement released on Thursday, expressing their condolences and announcing that the selection process for the African Games, set to take place in Ghana from March 18-22, will be disclosed at a later date.
Kiptum, renowned for his remarkable athletic feats, including his groundbreaking Chicago Marathon victory where he set a new world record of 2:00:35, will be laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Chepkorio, in northwest Kenya.
In Parliament on Monday, lawmakers urged for a thorough investigation into the accident that claimed Kiptum’s life, while observing a solemn minute of silence in his honor. Subsequent police reports confirmed that the cause of the tragedy was the injuries sustained during the collision, shedding light on the absence of airbag deployment due to the impact’s unusual nature.
Kiptum’s extraordinary athletic journey captivated fans worldwide, marked by record-breaking performances in prestigious marathons such as London and Valencia. His untimely demise leaves a profound void in the sporting community, as he was poised to pursue further remarkable achievements, including an ambitious sub-two-hour marathon attempt scheduled for Rotterdam in April.
As Kenya mourns the loss of a true sporting icon, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, honoring Kelvin Kiptum’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of his generation.
