Charles Kipsang Korir dead: African Athletes. Kenyans were met with another startling development as long-distance runner Charles Kipsang Kipkorir collapsed and tragically passed away after completing the 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope at Molkyo Stadium in Cameroon on Saturday (24).
Despite initially leading the race, the 33-year-old began to struggle just meters away from the finish line, ultimately crossing it in 16th place. Reports from Cameroonian Governor Bernard Okalai Bilia suggested that Kipkorir collapsed, and a heart attack was suspected as the cause.
Medical professionals present at Molkyo Stadium promptly administered first aid to stabilize him before transferring him to Buea Regional Hospital. Governor Bilia expressed uncertainty about the exact cause, stating, “We cannot say exactly what happened. We might believe that it is something like a heart attack.”
Kipkorir was considered to be at the pinnacle of his career, having previously participated in four marathons, including two Bali Marathons, the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, and the Jakarta Mandiri Marathon.
The sudden loss of Kipkorir follows closely on the heels of Kenya grieving another notable athlete, Kelvin Kiptum, the world record marathon holder, who tragically lost his life in a road accident alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
Kelvin Kiptum was laid to rest in Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, February 23. The funeral service, conducted at Chepsamo Secondary School grounds, saw the presence of President William Ruto and other dignitaries.
Read more: World mourns tragic passing of Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum
What is the Mount Cameroon Annual Race
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, an annual footrace, takes place at Mount Cameroon in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. The 20th edition in 2015 introduced innovations, including an Olympic flame tour across the country. Starting at Molyko Sports Complex in Buea, the challenging 38-kilometer race attracts participants in various divisions. Initially sponsored by Guinness, the event shifted to local control in 2005. Despite controversies, it remains a significant cultural and sporting event, drawing around 5,000 visitors each year. The 2019 edition saw reduced attendance due to the Anglophone Crisis, while the 2023 edition faced a tragic incident with small bombs injuring nineteen athletes during the race.