Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang survives road crash

September 16, 2018 Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge (C) celebrates after winning the Berlin Marathon alongside second placed Amos Kipruto of Kenya (L) and third placed Wilson Kipsang of Kenya (R) REUTERS

Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang on Sunday night survived a road crash that extensively wrecked his vehicle.

Kipsang who was driving from Eldoret to Iten sustained minor injuries in the 11 pm accident in Kaptuli area, Uasin Gishu County.

The two-time London and Frankfurt marathons champion who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident said he escaped unhurt after his Toyota Prado hit a lorry.

He told The Standard that a friend whom he had offered a ride also escaped unhurt in the terrifying crash.

“It was just by sheer luck that we survived. It was a matter of poor sizing on the road,” Kipsang said.

Kipsang who started running a full marathon in 2010, and who was among athletes who attended the just concluded 2019 Athletics Kenya (AK) Athletes Conference said they were rushed to Iten County Referral Hospital where doctors ruled out any life-threatening injury.

“We had put our safety belts on and that could be the reason why we were lucky not to sustain injuries,” he said.

He added: “Doctors prescribed pain killers and enough rest so that I recover fully. I wish to assure my friends and fans that I am well, and just resting at home.”

 The 2017 Tokyo Marathon champion said he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the lorry, which he claims was on full lights, hampering visibility during the time of the incident.

Kenya's Wilson Kipsang answers questions during a press conference for this weekend's Tokyo marathon in Tokyo on February 24, 2017. The annual competition will be held on February 26. / AFP PHOTO

The front side of Kipsang’s car was extensively damaged in the crash.

Uasin Gishu police commander Johnstone Ipara said the accident had not been reported in any police station in the county by last evening.

“I will address the matter as soon as I get the report. For now, I am yet to get to receive any details about the accident,” Ipara said.

The accident happens barely four months after World 800m record holder David Rudisha was involved in a road accident, escaping with minor injuries when his SUV crashed into a bus at Kegogi area, along the Keroka-Sotik road.

Police said the two-time Olympic and world champion was driving to his home in Kilgoris when the accident happened.

In November 2013, World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop survived a Sunday night car crash along the Kabarnet-Eldoret road.

Kiprop who was at the wheel at the time was reported to have lost control of his vehicle at a bend before landing in a ditch. He was treated and discharged after sustaining bruises.

Accidents involving athletes

August 2018: Former 400m hurdles world champion Nicholas Bett died in a road in Nandi County.

2013: World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop survives an accident in Elgeyo Marakwet.