The World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died in an accident along Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
Police said the 24-year-old Marathon World Record holder died with his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hazimana.
According to Elgeyo Marakwet County police, the Chicago Marathon champion was driving back home from Eldoret when his car veered off the road and hit a tree at Flax Junction in Kaptagat, along Eldoret-Ravine highway.
Keiyo South Sub-County police commander Abdullahi Dahir said Kiptum and his coach died on the spot, as a result of the impact.
A woman who was in the back seat sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in Eldoret, police said.
Investigations into the exact cause of the Sunday 11 pm crash are ongoing.
Kiptum started off his journey to marathon stardom by winning the Valencia Marathon in December 2022.
He went ahead to win the 2023 London Marathon in a course record before shattering the world record at the Chicago Marathon in October last year.
Kiptum made a breakthrough in 2023 as a rival to compatriot Eliud Kipchoge – one of the greatest marathon runners.
And it was in Chicago last October that Kiptum bettered Kipchoge’s achievement, clocking 26.1 miles (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds.
The two athletes had been named in Kenya’s provisional marathon team for the Paris Olympics later this year.
Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, Raila Odinga mourned the death.
“Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.
Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight,” he said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said; “Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”
Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.. pic.twitter.com/URgLeeop1t
— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) February 11, 2024
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