By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Kenyan athlete, Charles Kipsang Kipkorir, has reportedly passed away moment after completing the 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on saturday February 24. It is reported that the 33-year-old collapsed while going to collect his price.
Kipkorir had been leading the race before being overtaken just meters from the finish line. Medics at the Molkyo Stadium provided first aid to stabilize him before he was rushed to the Buea Regional Hospital.
Southwest Region Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilaï, expressed his sadness following the announcement of Kipkorir’s passing, stating, “We can’t say exactly what happened, but he was fine after the race.”
“…Apparently as he just failed down, may be is something like heart attack. It is a very sad situation because according to the record, he was at his fourth participation. Those are athletes coming to animate the race.it is a great loss for the African Athletic Federation, for his country (Kenya) and for us Cameroonians as a great partner is gone,” the Governor added.
The Governor mentioned that Kipkorir had shown signs of distress about 15 to 20 minutes before the arrival but continued despite advice from health officials to enter the ambulance. He eventually finished in 16th place.
“The award of trophies went well and when the Minister and I left the stadium, between 30 to 40 minutes, we were informed that when he was going to collect his price, he collapsed. He was carried to the Regional Hospital and he passed away… He spoke directly with the President of the Federation who said he was well. He said that next time, he will win. We cannot say until the medical doctors do their work.”
Kipkorir had previously participated in races such as the Bali Marathon, the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, and the Casablanca Half Marathon.
His death comes just two weeks after the loss of World record marathon holder, Kelvin Kiptum, in a road accident.
Elvis Nsabinla and Adamu Irine Kwaha were crowned champions of the 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in the male and female categories, respectively.
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