Who is Sharon Kosgei? Woman Survives Kelvin Kiptum Accident

Sharon Kosgei, the sole woman onboard the car accident that killed Kenyan marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has been discharged from hospital.

According to the police, Sharon Kosgei was discharged from the hospital early Monday morning.

Her miraculous survival of such a deadly accident which took the life of not just Kelvin Kiptum but his trainer Gervais Hakizimana Rwanda has raised questions on social media.

In this article, we learn about Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo, the Kelvin Kiptum accident and much more.

Who is Sharon Kosgei?

sharon kosgei

Sharon Kosgei is a 24-year-old Kenyan woman who has hit the limelight after being the sole survivor of the accident that killed world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

24-year-old Kelvin Kiptum, who won the London Marathon in April before setting the world record in Chicago in October, was reported by police to have died in a car accident in Kenya Sunday, February 11th 2024.

Kiptum was driving in Kaptagat, southwest Kenya, around 11pm local time Sunday when he lost control of his vehicle while driving.

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He is reported to have entered a ditch, drove for about 60 metres before crashing into a tree!

The impact killed Kiptum, his trainer Gervais Hakizimana but not Sharon Kosgei.

The 24-year-old Sharon Kosgei suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.

She had already been discharged by Monday morning, raising serious questions!!!!

Social media users are stunned with takes such as: “How did Sharon Kosgei escape with a minor injury in such a serious accident?” dominating the discussion on X (formerly Twitter).

Naturally, everyone wants to know – who is Sharon Kosgei?

Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo is a 24-year-old woman from Eldoret, Kenya.

Sharon Kosgei according to LinkedIn is an ‘aviation enthusiast’ and a recent Civil Aviation Management graduate, completing her Bachelor’s degree at Moi University in December 2023.

For four months during her time in school, Sharon Kosgei served as a Ground flight safety attache with the Kenya Airports Authoritiy as an intern between May and August 2022.

Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo

According to her LinkedIn bio, Sharon Kosgei is: “a Passionate and dedicated Civil Aviation Management graduate seeking to positively impact the aviation industry,”

She adds that she “recently completed Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Aviation Management from Moi University, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of aviation operations, safety regulations, airport management, and airline economics,”

Sharon continued, revealing she completed her attachment at Kenya Airports Authority, where she was involved in airport operation, air transportation management, aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning under the Ground flight safety department.

She addes about herself: “I am passionate about contributing to the advancement of the aviation sector, with a particular interest in airport operations and strategic planning. I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability within the industry,”

Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo listed her personal attributes as:

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication
  • Interpersonal abilities
  • Adaptability to dynamic environments -Attention to detail
  • Commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Sharon Kosgei, who survived the accident involving Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana, is not to be confused with Sharon Kosgei, an Oxford and University of London-educated Finance manager who works with Bio Foods Products Limited.

Kelvin Kiptum Biography, Accident, Sharon Kosgei

kelvin kiptum biography

Kenyan world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, 24, died in a car accident in his homeland Sunday, February 11th 2024.

Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, tragically lost his life in a car crash in his native Kenya.

He was just 24 years old when the accident occurred.

Alongside Kelvin, his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also lost his life in the same tragic incident.

Kelvin Kiptum had achieved remarkable feats in the world of long-distance running.

Notably, he set the world record at the Chicago Marathon in October, completing the race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 35 seconds—surpassing the previous record set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin in 2022.

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Additionally, Kiptum smashed the course record for the London Marathon last year, winning the men’s event in the second-fastest marathon time in history, crossing the finish line in two hours, one minute, and 25 seconds 4.

The loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach is deeply felt by the athletic community, and their contributions to the sport will be remembered. May they rest in peace. 🕊️

In a statement, police wrote about that the Kelvin Kiptum accident: “Occurred at Kaptagat Forest area along the Eldoret-Ravine road.

“It happened that one Kelvin Kiptum, the Chicago Marathon World Record Holder, was driving his m/vehicle reg. number KDL 566F Toyota Premio carrying two passengers, namely Gervais Hakizimana Rwanda, male adult aged 37yrs-his coach—and Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo, a female adult aged 24 years from Eldoret heading towards Ravine,”

sharon kosgei is the sole survivor of the kelvin kiptum accident

The statement added: “Upon reaching the location of the accident, he lost control and veered off-road entering a ditch on his left side. He drove in the ditch for about 60 metres before hitting a big tree.

“As a result, Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died on the spot whereas Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment,”

Kiptum started his career at just 13 years old when he participated in his first half marathon—the Family Bank Eldoret Half Marathon—in his native Kenya. He finished 10th in that race.

Returning five years later, he secured victory in the same event, completing it with an impressive time of 62 minutes and 1 second. This marked the first notable result of his fledgling career.

During his early career, Kiptum was ostensibly self-coached. His training and development were largely guided by his own instincts and dedication.

Despite being relatively unknown on the international stage, Kiptum’s talent began to emerge.

He led for a significant portion of the Rotterdam Marathon, showcasing his potential. However, the word “Pace” on his bib indicated that he was still a bit-part player in a larger picture.

Kiptum’s astonishing three-marathon spell within a period of just over 10 months in 2022 and 2023 set him apart: he recorded the fastest debut marathon in history. He went even quicker to triumph on the streets of London.

Most notably, he usurped the great Eliud Kipchoge as the marathon world record holder.

Aged 24 and a father of two young children, Kiptum was only beginning to make his mark on the sporting world.

Tragically, we will never witness the full extent of his
potential.

Kelvin Kiptum wife

kelvin kiptum wife asenath rotich

Kelvin Kiptum was married to Asenath Rotich.

Although there isn’t much information about her in the public eye, according to Kiptum’s uncle, Kiplagat Cheruiyot, all credit for Kiptum’s achievements should go to his wife, Asenath Rotich, as she has been the driving force behind his success.

Asenath Rotich keeps a low public profile, allowing her famous husband to take the spotlight.

Their partnership played a significant role in Kelvin Kiptum’s remarkable journey as a world-class marathon runner. 🏃‍♂️💕

Sadly, his journey ended in a car accident that killed him and coach Gervais Hakizimana but spared the life of Sharon Kosgei.

Following Kiptum’s death, Kenya’s former prime minister, Raila Odinga, was among those to pay his respects, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “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. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”

Those sentiments were shared by Kenya’s minister for sports, Ababu Namwamba, who added on X: “Devastatingly sickening! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”

Meanwhile the president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” he added.

Who is Gervais Hakizimana?

kelvin kiptum and coach gervais hakizimana

Gervais Hakizimana, born in Nyaruguru district in the Northern Province of Rwanda, is a man of few words who has achieved remarkable feats in the world of athletics.

He prides himself on accomplishments that have left the globe in absolute awe.

Gervais Hakizimana was an active athlete who visited Kenya in 2006.

During his stay, he trained at Kaptagat in Uasin Gishu County and competed in the senior men’s category at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships held in Mombasa.
Unfortunately, his trip was cut short due to post-election clashes, which compelled him to return to his own country, Rwanda, for safety.

Later, he studied in France for three years before working there for four years.

Gervais Hakizimana is the figurative guitar carrier for record-breaking artist Kelvin Kiptum.

Kiptum, under Hakizimana’s guidance, achieved incredible performances in various venues.

Despite being a little-known instructor, Hakizimana played a crucial role in Kiptum’s success.

He coached Kiptum during his victories in the Valencia, London, and Chicago marathons, where Kiptum set a world record time of 2:00:35.

The humble coach delivered Kiptum’s workout regimens using the messaging app WhatsApp, even when Kiptum was overseas in France or Rwanda.

Hakizimana’s dedication and guidance contributed significantly to Kiptum’s rise as a world-class marathon runner.

Hakizimana met Kelvin Kiptum when Kiptum was young.
He established himself near Kiptum’s residence and used to exercise there.

Kiptum, inspired by veteran sportsmen, would watch them run and eventually started asking Hakizimana for training programs.

Their training partnership evolved, and they began training together before Hakizimana retired.

Kiptum’s quest for athletics stardom began to show success when he won the 2018 Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret.

He continued to achieve victories, including the Kass Half Marathon in November 2019.

Hakizimana and Kiptum died in a 2024 car accident, with only one survivor, Sharon Kosgei.

Gervais Hakizimana’s impact on Kelvin Kiptum’s career is a testament to the crucial role coaches play in shaping athletes’ destinies. 🏃‍♂️🌟

Sharon Kosgei Eldoret

Eldoret is the fifth largest city in Kenya.

It is located in Uasin Gishu County, in the Rift Valley region and serves as the capital of Uasin Gishu County. The town was referred to by white settlers as Farm 64 and colloquially by locals as ‘Sisibo’.

As per the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Eldoret is the fifth most populated urban area in the country after Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Ruiru.

Lying south of the Cherangani Hills, the local elevation varies from about 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) at the airport to more than 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) in nearby areas.

The population was 289,380 in the 2009 Census, and it is currently the fastest growing town in Kenya with 475,716 people according to 2019 National Census.

Eldoret was on course to be named Kenya’s fourth city, but was edged out by Nakuru in 2021.

The name “Eldoret” is based on the Maasai word “eldore” meaning “stony river”; a reference to the bed of the Sosiani River (a tributary of the Nile), that runs through the town.

Eldoret has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb).

The town, lying over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level, has a moderate to cool climate.

The temperatures fall significantly at night, and in the cold season (May–August) it is regularly in the single digits Celsius.

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