Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan, broke the world record by 34 seconds during his victory at the Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023.
After this incredible achievement, we reflect on the life and tragic death of his coach, Garvais Hakizimana.
Originally from Rwanda, Hakizimana entered Kenya at 18 years old in 2006 to train for the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa.
However, he was forced to flee from the country when post-election violence broke out. Hakizimana met Kiptum while training in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, and went on to become Kiptum’s coach. Kiptum, who herded sheep and goats as a teen, began following Hakizimana and other runners during their training sessions.
Before becoming a coach, Hakizimana competed against Eliud Kipchoge, then the world record holder, in the 2016 London Marathon.
Tragically, Hakizimana and Kiptum died in a car accident in Kapsabet, Western Kenya. The accident occurred when Kiptum lost control of his vehicle and landed in a ditch, colliding with a tree. A third passenger, Sharon Kosgey, survived the crash and was rushed to Racecourse Hospital for treatment.
Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, expressed deep sadness at the loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana.
He paid tribute to Kiptum’s extraordinary marathon world record, ratified earlier in Chicago. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga also mourned their loss, speaking of Kiptum’s iconic status and expressing condolences to his family, friends, and the athletics fraternity.
The London Marathon organisers honored both Kiptum and Hakizimana, expressing their deep sadness at the tragic news and extending condolences to the families and friends of both. The impact of Kiptum’s legacy and the devastating tragedy of his untimely death have deeply affected the athletics community.
