The athletics community is once again in mourning following the sudden collapse and death of a marathoner, Hosea Kiplagat, on Monday evening in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Kiplagat, 32, who had recently returned from competing in Peru, was accompanied by his four-year-old son when he fell ill and collapsed on his way home.
The athlete had come back to finalize the construction of his house before heading to Kapsowar for training in preparation for an upcoming race in April.
Elgeyo Marakwet Police County Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident, stating, “The assistant chief of the Mindililwo area of Iten reported an incident where a man was walking with his son from a shopping centre. Eyewitnesses said that he sat down and complained of chest pains before he died on the spot. Police rushed to the scene and confirmed it was true.”
The athlete’s brother, Anderson Kemboi, a trader in Iten, expressed shock at his brother’s sudden demise. “We are saddened by the death of our brother. He was a hardworking man and was in the process of completing a house before heading to Kapsowar where he normally trains. He has always been in good health and never complained of anything,” said Mr. Kemboi.
Vivian Kiplagat, the 2022 Milano Marathon champion, paid tribute to Hosea Kiplagat, describing him as a polite and jovial athlete whose career was on an upward trajectory.
