Kenyan Runner Kipkorir Collapses, Dies at Mount Cameroon Race

Summary:

• Kenyan runner Charles Kipsang Kipkorir passed away from a suspected heart attack shortly after collapsing at the finish line of the Mount Cameroon Race, Africa’s oldest international athletics competition

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Every year, the Mount Cameroon race, also known as the Course de l’Espoir (Race of Hope), challenges runners on arduous terrain, encompassing the ascent and descent of Mount Cameroon, which towers over 4,100 meters above sea level. This year, over 600 participants took part in the event.

Tragically, Kenyan runner Charles Kipsang Kipkorir passed away from a suspected heart attack shortly after collapsing at the finish line of the Mount Cameroon Race, Africa’s oldest international athletics competition, held in the Cameroonian city of Buea, Kenyan private news outlet, The East Observer reported on Sunday

Kipkorir, 33, who had been leading the race, experienced discomfort that compelled him to pause briefly just moments before reaching the finish line, according to Bernard Okalai Bilia, governor of the southwest region where the race took place.

“We cannot say exactly what happened. He was fine. He was good after the race. We might believe that it is something like a heart attack,” Bilia informed reporters while announcing the athlete’s untimely death on Saturday evening. “It is a very sad situation because he was at his fourth participation. It is a great loss for the African Athletics Confederation, for his country Kenya, and for us Cameroon,” he added.

In another unfortunate event in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum lost his life in a car accident, marking a significant loss to the athletic community. Kiptum, who managed to finish the race before collapsing, was swiftly transported to the hospital but passed away shortly after his arrival.