The sports community is reeling from the news of the passing of former Seoul Marathon champion, Frankline Chepkwony.
The seasoned long-distance athlete tragically collapsed and lost his life during his return from a lengthy run in Moringwo, Eldama Ravine in Baringo County on Monday morning.
According to his uncle, Joseph Tele, one of his training partners attempted to provide initial assistance after Chepkwony’s collapse.
“I was called when he was rushed to the hospital and unfortunately, he passed on. We are now planning on his burial. We shall announce the date of his burial once we agree as a family,” said Tele.
He was then swiftly taken to Eldama Ravine Hospital by a kind passerby, but unfortunately, he was declared deceased upon arrival.
Mike Boit, a fellow training companion, revealed that they had a planned training session covering around 23km on that fateful Monday morning. It then concluded with some cool-down exercises before parting ways.
“Our programme went on well and he was in high spirits during training. I was called when I got home that my friend had collapsed and I couldn’t believe it. I rushed to his home where I confirmed indeed he was no more,” said Boit, a marathoner.
Chepkwony’s Rise To Fame
Chepkwony made his international debut with victory at the 2012 Zurich Marathon after timing 2:10:57 before finishing second at the Eindhoven Marathon where he clocked his personal best of 2:06:11 later that year.
He won the 2013 Seoul Marathon in 2:06:59, then wound seventh at the 2013 Amsterdam Marathon in 2:09:53.
“He was a humble athlete who always demonstrated teamwork. It is so sad that he had to die in such a manner. We shall miss him,” said Former world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto, who used to train with him at Kapng’etuny in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, after learning of his death.
