Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about the painful social media backlash he endured after the death of fellow runner Kelvin Kiptum, calling it one of the most emotionally harrowing periods of his life and career.

Fatal crash in Elgeyo Marakwet

Kelvin Kiptum, who held the marathon world record at the time, died on February 11, 2024, in a road accident in the Kaptagat area of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. He was travelling with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who also died in the crash.
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The accident triggered widespread mourning across the athletics world. Athletes, sports organizations and fans paid tribute to the marathon star, who had risen rapidly in long-distance running and set a world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2023 with a time of 2:00:35.
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                                                                          Eliud Kipchoge // Instagram

Kipchoge recalls learning about the news.

In an emotional interview posted on the Engage Talk YouTube platform, Eliud Kipchoge recounted the moment he first learned of the devastating tragedy.
According to the two-time Olympic marathon champion, he had just returned from training when someone at the gate of his home informed him that Kelvin Kiptum had died in a road accident.
After checking his phone, Kipchoge said he discovered rumors circulating online that falsely linked him to the crash.
“Social media was everywhere when Eliud killed Kiptum in a road accident. And I was really down… down to my knees,” Kipchoge said in the interview.
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Online rumours and threats

The allegations spread across various social media platforms in the hours following the news of the crash. Kipchoge said the rumours led to threats directed at him and his family members.
According to the marathon runner, the situation compelled the family to modify certain aspects of their daily routine due to safety concerns.
He explained that his sons had previously cycled to school, but the arrangement had to be altered after threats were received.

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Kipchoge also noted that some of the accusations circulating online took on an ethnic dimension, despite his long-standing stance against tribal divisions in Kenya.
Eliud Kipchoge // Instagram

Limited support during the controversy

The athlete further said the episode affected his relationships and support network. Despite having millions of followers on social media, Kipchoge stated that only a small number of people reached out to check on him during the controversy.

Career achievements

Eliud Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the most successful marathon runners in history. He won Olympic marathon gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In 2019, he also became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, completing the distance in 1:59:40 during the special event.

Reflecting on the period following the death of Kelvin Kiptum, Kipchoge said the experience tested his resilience and highlighted the importance of strong personal relationships during difficult moments.