T. NashipaeAthletics Kenya leads fraternity in mourning Kipsang
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 28.02.24. | 07:36
Kipsang collapsed and died after competing in the Cameroon Mountain race on Saturday, February 24th, at the Molyko Stadium.
The country’s athletics governing body, Athletics Kenya (AK), has led the entire fraternity in mourning Charles Kipsang Kipkorir.
Kipsang collapsed and died after competing in the Cameroon Mountain race on Saturday, February 24th, at the Molyko Stadium.
In a statement seen by Mozzart Sport, AK extended their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kipsang during this trying time.
“Athletics Kenya would like to confirm that Charles Kipkorir Kipsang died on Saturday in Cameroon after taking part in a mountain race".
The statement went on to assure that they were in touch with the government of Cameroon and that the public would be informed of the next steps, including how the body would arrive in Kenya and the burial plans.
“Kipsang was born on June 6, 1991, in Koibatek in Baringo. As a federation, we would like to take this opportunity to condole Kipsang's family during this difficult time. We are in touch with the athletics authority and Cameroonian government, and we will keep you posted on the next steps,” part of the statement read.
AK further called on ‘netizens’ to refrain from posting things that could negatively affect the family.
“This is indeed very sad considering it is coming just a day after burying world marathon record holder Kevin Kiptum who died in a tragic road accident, and when we are preparing to bury the legendary Henry Rono. Let us pray for the family and desist from posting things that could impact negatively on the family on social media,” the statement concluded.
As reported by Cameroon media, Kipsang was leading until the last kilometer, when he collapsed after crossing the finish line.
The reports further indicate that medical personnel attempted to revive him, but their efforts could not bear fruit as he died while on the way to the Buea Regional Hospital.
The 32-year-old, who was placed 16th at the race, had shown no prior signs of poor health save for the normal fatigue experienced after a race.
According to Cameroon's South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, investigations have already begun to establish the athlete’s cause of death.
"When the Minister and myself had left the stadium, some 30 minutes later, we were informed that he had collapsed while going to collect his prize. Despite immediate medical attention, he had already passed away.
"But he was good, he was fine after the race. He even had a conversation with the president of the federation, Mr. Motombi, who confirmed he was well," Bilai said.
Kipsang had a remarkable journey in this year's race, being the first to reach the Mount Cameroon summit and leading during the descent.
However, in a surprising turn of events, he slowed down just kilometers before the finish line, allowing Cameroonian-born Elvis Nsabinla to take the lead and win the race.
This year marked Kipsang's fourth participation in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, an event that saw 19 Kenyan athletes compete.
His untimely passing is the second major loss for the Kenyan athletics community in just two weeks, following the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident on February 11th. Kiptum was buried on February 23rd in what was a state burial.
May their souls rest in peace.
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