Shock as Kenyan marathoner Charles Kipsang collapses and dies after Mount Cameroon Race

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ATHLETICS Shock as Kenyan marathoner Charles Kipsang collapses and dies after Mount Cameroon Race

Festus Chuma 10:34 - 25.02.2024

Kenyan athlete Charles Kipsang Kipkorir tragically passed away after competing in the 29th Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on Saturday.

Kenyan athlete Charles Kipsang Kipkorir passed away following his participation in the 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on Saturday.

The 32-year-old collapsed minutes after crossing the finish line at the Molyko Stadium and despite immediate medical attention efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. 

South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai conveyed that Kipkorir was confirmed dead at the Buea Regional Hospital on Saturday evening. 

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the cause of his untimely demise remains unclear, with speculation around a possible heart attack.

"When the Minister and myself had left the stadium, some 30 minutes after, we were informed that he had collapsed while going to collect his prize. Despite immediate medical attention, he had already passed away," Bilai was quoted by Cameroonian publication MimiMefoInfos.

"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," he added.

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.

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