Charles Kipsang: Kenyan Athlete Dies in Cameroon Days After Kelvin Kiptum’s Burial

• Charles Kipsang collapsed and died during the Cameroon Mountain Race
• Efforts to revive the Kenyan athlete at the Molyko Stadium proved futile
• World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was buried on February 23

Kenya's athletic community has been hit by a third death in two weeks after Cameroon media reported that Charles Kipsang collapsed and passed on in the middle of a race.

Kipsang participated in the Cameroon mountain race on Saturday, February 24, where reports indicate he led until the last kilometre.

He collapsed after crossing the finish line, where medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him, but their efforts were futile. He died en route 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. Cameroon's South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai has indicated that they are yet to establish the cause of death.

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Athletics

"When the Minister and myself had left the stadium, some 30 minutes after, we were informed that when he was going to collect his prize, he fell and collapsed," as quoted by Essentially Sports.

This was Kipsang's fourth participation in the Cameroon Mountain Race of Hope, where he participated in the Men's Senior Category. Kenya One Sports adds that 19 Kenyans took part in the 29th edition of the race.

Kelvin Kiptum's death and burial

His death comes just a few days after the country mourned the passing on of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Sports Brief reported that Kiptum lost his life on February 11 alongside his Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana, after the car they were travelling in veered off the road before ramming into a three.

The 24-year-old, whose world record set at the Chicago Marathon last year was only ratified five days before his death, was buried on February 23 in his Uasin Gishu home. President William Ruto led mourners at the funeral service at the Chepkorio Showgrounds.

At the same time, Henry Rono died on February 15 at 72. Rono is best remembered for breaking four world records in the space of 81 days in 1978.