NAIROBI, Kenya- An upcoming Kenyan long-distance runner has died after collapsing during a routine morning training run in Kapsabet, Nandi County, sending shockwaves through the local and national athletics fraternity.
The athlete, Weldon Kerich Cheruiyot, 30, collapsed along a street near the Kapsabet High Courts while training with a group of fellow runners on Tuesday morning.
Cheruiyot, a marathoner and a member of Jubilee Athletics Club, was rushed to the Nandi County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Former Boston Marathon Star’s Younger Brother
Cheruiyot was the younger brother of 2010 Boston Marathon winner Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, a well-known figure in Kenya’s athletics history.
He hailed from Longisa, Bomet County, and had recently relocated to Nandi to continue training.
According to the family, Cheruiyot had previously been diagnosed with a heart condition and had been advised to retire from competitive athletics.
“Five years ago, doctors told him to stop running because of a heart condition,” his brother confirmed.
“Due to economic challenges, he decided to move to Nandi to train again, and that is how this tragedy happened.”
The sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief within the athletics community, with Jubilee Athletics Club camp captain Silas Too leading tributes to the fallen runner.
Athletes and coaches described Cheruiyot as disciplined, determined, and hopeful of breaking into the international marathon circuit.
The Nandi County Government, through Sports Executive Rose Angira, conveyed condolences to the family and confirmed that the county would assist in transporting Cheruiyot’s body.
Angira said arrangements were underway to move the body from Kapsabet to Longisa Mortuary, closer to the family home in Bomet County.
