Kenyan athlete Charles Kipkorir dies in Cameroon

Kenya’s distance runner Charles Kipkorir Kipsang is dead.

Athletics Kenya (AK) confirmed the demise of Kipkorir on Sunday afternoon, after he collapsed immediately after finishing the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in Buea, South West of Cameroon on Saturday.

Kipkorir, 33, had completed 39 kilometres of the mountain running, in which he had led for the better part before slowing down towards the end, finishing 16th after developing pains.

“Athletics Kenya would like to confirm that Charles Kipkorir Kipsang died on Saturday in Cameroon after taking part in a mountain race. As a federation, we would like to take this opportunity to condole with Kipsang’s family during this difficult time.

“This is indeed very sad considering it is coming just a day after burying the world marathon record holder Kevin Kiptum who died in a tragic road, and when we are preparing to bury the legendary Henry Rono…”

Kiptum was buried on Friday at his Lotonyok farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County, with calls of athletes’ welfare and support dominating the speeches during the sendoff.

Meanwhile, AK has said it is in touch with the athletics authority and Cameroonian government planning for the next steps regarding the fallen athlete.

Kipsang was born on June 6, 1991 in Koibatek in Baringo.