The tragic news of Kelvin Kiptum's death traveled around the globe on Sunday. 

The world record-holder in the marathon was just 24 years old, with a full life, and an athletic prime, in front of him. 

Before his death he captured a world-record time of 2 hours and 35 seconds in the marathon in October, achieving that result in Chicago. The time was later ratified by World Athletics, giving him special distinction inside the sport. He was set to go after a sub-2 marathon this year. 

Many within the sport were devastated as information began to pour in; Kiptum was involved in a fatal traffic accident late Sunday in Kenya, along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. 

Heartfelt tributes began to pour from the running community on Monday. 

We have compiled them below. 

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The London Marathon: 

"Kelvin had the sport of marathon running in his feet and at his feet. He was a 'once in a generation' athlete who was set to redefine the boundaries of our sport." -- TCS London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher

The Rotterdam Marathon:

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Apart from being an athlete, we got to know Kelvin as an extraordinary and humble human being. Our thoughts are with his family and we wish them strength during this difficult time. R.I.P. Kelvin

BBC News:

"Kenya has lost a special gem." 

World Athletics President Seb Coe: 

"An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly."

We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.

It was only earlier this week in… pic.twitter.com/dDBKgjXNKL

— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 11, 2024

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga:

Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1Dmgyyhsk4

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 11, 2024

Eliud Kipchoge

"An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness." 

"Rest in peace Kelvin." 

Rest in peace Kelvin. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QqivOklTxk

— Eliud Kipchoge - EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) February 12, 2024

CNN:

Eliud Kipchoge's tribute to Kelvin Kiptum captures the feeling of so many: a "rising star" with "a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness."

Here's our CNN tribute to the marathon world record holder, killed in a road accident at just 24 pic.twitter.com/G0JUFeckBA

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) February 12, 2024

Mo Farah:

"I'm so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have an incredible career. I send all my sympathies and condolences to his and Gervais' family and friends at this tragic time. 

I’m so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my… pic.twitter.com/bNXJA1FgBL

— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) February 12, 2024

Athletics Weekly: 

"Remembering the life of Kelvin Kiptum and the impact he made on the sport.

Remembering the life of Kelvin Kiptum and the impact he made on the sport 🕊️

🇪🇸 Fastest marathon debut in history, in Valencia (2:01:53 – December 2022)

🇬🇧 Ran what was then the second ever quickest marathon, in London (2:01:25 – April 2023)

🇺🇸 Set the world marathon record,… pic.twitter.com/CCod1zkLF9

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) February 12, 2024