ATHLETICS Kenyan marathoner collapses and passes away after training run

The long-distance runner died suddenly after collapsing during training.

Tragedy struck the world of long-distance running as Kenyan marathoner Frankline Chepkwony, a former Seoul Marathon champion, collapsed and passed away during his routine training on Monday. 

Chepkwony was pursuing his passion, engaging in a long run in the picturesque Moringwo area of Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, when the unexpected occurred.

Joseph Tele, who is the runner's uncle, recounted the heart-wrenching event, sharing that a fellow training mate quickly stepped in to administer first aid as Chepkwony collapsed.

Despite the swift response, a good samaritan rushed him to Eldama Ravine Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival.

 "A training mate tried to administer first aid after Chepkwony collapsed before a Good Samaritan rushed him to Eldama Ravine Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival," he said as per Daily Nation.

The unexpected nature of the incident has left his family and fellow runners grappling with grief.

"I was called when he was rushed to the hospital and unfortunately he passed on. We are now planning his burial. We shall announce the date of his burial once we agree as a family," Tele shared with a heavy heart.

Chepkwony's training mate and friend, Mike Boit, expressed his disbelief over the tragic turn of events.

 "Our programme went on well and he was in high spirits during training. I was called when I got home that my friend had collapsed and I couldn't believe it. I rushed to his home where I confirmed indeed he was no more," Boit, a fellow marathoner, lamented.

Boit remembered their last session together, a 23-kilometer run followed by warm-down exercises, highlighting how Chepkwony was fully engaged and vibrant during their training routine.

The running world fondly remembers Chepkwony for his exceptional achievements. 

He made his mark on the international stage by clinching victory at the 2012 Zurich Marathon with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 57 seconds. 

Later that same year, he set a personal best record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 11 seconds, finishing second at the Eindhoven Marathon. 

His crowning achievement came in 2013 when he emerged victorious at the Seoul Marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 59 seconds.

Chepkwony's journey was not without its challenges, as he faced tough competition in major races like the 2013 Amsterdam Marathon, where he secured a respectable seventh-place finish with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 53 seconds. 

In 2014, he made his debut in the World Marathon Majors, an illustrious series of marathon events, and claimed a well-deserved third-place finish in the prestigious Boston Marathon, where he raced alongside legends like Meb Keflezighi and Wilson Chebet.