Promising Kenyan runner Eliud Kipsang, 24, dies in the US
Kenyan middle-distance athlete Eliud Kipsang.
What you need to know:
- Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s rising middle-distance running stars, he achieved personal bests of 1:46.99 in the 800 metres and 3:54.36 in the mile (1,609 metres).
- He continued to train in the US. The news comes months after another Kenyan athlete, Joan Jepngetich, 22, died on the spot when the Mercedes Benz she was travelling in, along with two of her friends, veered off the highway in Illinois, Chicago.
Kenyan middle-distance athlete Eliud Kipsang has died in the United States where he had been living and training. He was aged 24.
Kipsang suffered a cardiac arrest and died on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, after being hospitalised for four days. He first fell ill on Friday, June 6, and was immediately taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, in the State of Washington, where he was placed in intensive care.
Despite medical efforts, he remained in critical condition until his passing.
The rising star had been based in Alabama, where he balanced academics and athletics. Competing for the University of Alabama, he had gained recognition in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships.
In 2022, Kipsang set an NCAA record in the 1,500 metres with an impressive time of 3:33.74—a record that stood until earlier this year when Villanova’s Liam Murphy surpassed it.
Kipsang’s death has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, leaving fans and fellow athletes mourning the loss of a talented runner with a bright future.
After completing his studies, Kipsang turned professional and signed with the global sportswear brand Adidas.
Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s rising middle-distance running stars, he achieved personal bests of 1:46.99 in the 800 metres and 3:54.36 in the mile (1,609 metres).
He continued to train in the US. The news comes months after another Kenyan athlete, Joan Jepngetich, 22, died on the spot when the Mercedes Benz she was travelling in, along with two of her friends, veered off the highway in Illinois, Chicago.
The other occupants of the vehicle, a man and a woman, both aged 22, died while receiving treatment.
Jepngetich was studying nursing at Carl Sandburg College, where she enrolled in August 2024 after transferring from Iowa Central Community College.
She represented her college at National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) events, where she shone at a number of competitions.
Jepngetich boasted personal bests of 2:39.49 (800m), 5:16.60 (1500m), and 19:29.46 (5000m).