Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old Kenyan marathon world record-holder, and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were tragically killed in a car accident on Sunday night in Kenya. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. local time on a road between the towns of Eldoret and Kaptagat in western Kenya, a region renowned for its high-altitude training grounds for distance runners.

Kiptum had set the world record at the Chicago Marathon last year, which was officially ratified by World Athletics just last week. He was considered one of the most promising distance runners in the world, with a bright future ahead of him.

Hakizimana, Kiptum's coach, was also a highly respected figure in the running community. He had guided Kiptum to his world record-breaking performance and was instrumental in his development as an athlete.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but it is believed that the car veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. Kiptum and Hakizimana were pronounced dead at the scene.

The news of their deaths has sent shockwaves through the running world, and tributes have poured in from fellow athletes, coaches, and fans. Kiptum was widely admired for his talent and dedication, while Hakizimana was praised for his mentorship and guidance.

Their untimely passing is a tragic loss for the sport of running and for the families and friends of Kiptum and Hakizimana.