Athletic sports governing body, Atletics Kenya have postponed this weekend’s national trials for the All Africa Games in honour of world record holder for the men’s marathon Kelvin Kiptum.
The trials were set for Friday and Saturday at Nyayo Stadium but the federation have said they will announce a new date in due course.
“The selection process for the team that represent the country at the African Games which will be held on 18th to 22nd March 2024 in Accra, Ghana, will be announced in due course,” the statement reads.
World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, passed away in a tragic road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road on Sunday night.
Their vehicle veered off the road, landed in a ditch before hitting a tree, killing both of them on the spot whereas a third occupant, Sharon Chepkurui, incurred serious injuries.
The 24-year-old was due to compete at the Rotterdam Marathon in the Netherlands in April, six months after he set a world record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon.
-Kiptum burial set-
Kelvin Kiptum will be buried on the 24th of this month at his Elgeyo Marakwet rural home, the joint funeral committee announced.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced on Monday that his ministry will work cordially with the family to ensure the 24-year old is given a hero’s send off.
At the same time, the family of his coach Hakizimana is putting in place plans to repatriate his body back home to Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Kenyans from across all walks have continued to mourn Kiptum’s sudden demise, with Athletics Kenya setting up a condolence book at Riadha House, for those willing to pen down their tributes.