Charles Kipsang Kipkorir, a Kenyan athlete, passed abruptly on Saturday after competing in the 29th Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.
Athlete death reports have come in just a few days after Kenya lost world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in the marathon.
The 32-year-old passed out at the Molyko Stadium shortly after the finish line, and despite receiving emergency medical assistance, attempts to resuscitate him were futile.
According to South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai, Kipkorir was pronounced deceased on Saturday night at the Buea Regional Hospital.
Though medical experts have tried their best, the cause of his sudden death is still unknown, but there is conjecture that it may have been a heart attack.
“When the Minister and myself had left the stadium, some 30 minutes after, we were informed that he had collapsed while going to collect his prize. Despite immediate medical attention, he had already passed away, But he was good, he was fine after the race. He even had a conversation with the president of the federation, Mr. Motombi, who confirmed he was well,” Bilai was quoted by Cameroonian publication MimiMefoInfos.
In this year’s competition, Kipsang had an incredible journey, leading both the ascent and descent of Mount Cameroon.
But in an unexpected change of events, he slowed down a few kilometers before the finish line, which gave Cameroonian Elvis Nsabinla the advantage and the race victory.
Kipsang competed in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope this year for the fourth time; 19 Kenyan athletes were there.
