The track and field world is mourning the loss of Eliud Kipsang, a former NCAA record holder and rising star in middle-distance running, who has died at just 28 years old. The Kenyan athlete, who was based in the United States and recently signed a professional contract with Adidas, suffered a cardiac arrest on June 6, 2025, and passed away on June 10, despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. His death has sent shockwaves through the running community, leaving friends, teammates, and fans heartbroken.
Kipsang, originally from Eldoret, Kenya, had built a stellar reputation as a student-athlete at the University of Alabama. He was not only an SEC champion but also a fixture on the national collegiate scene, known for his explosive speed and relentless work ethic. In 2022, he set the NCAA 1500-meter record with a stunning time of 3:33.74 at the Bryan Clay Invitational, a mark that stood until earlier this year. His achievements on the track made him a fan favorite and a beacon of hope for Kenyan distance running.
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A Career Cut Short: Eliud Kipsang’s Rise and Legacy
Eliud Kipsang’s journey from Eldoret to the pinnacle of American collegiate athletics is the stuff of inspiration. He joined the University of Alabama track and field roster in 2020 and quickly distinguished himself. In 2021, he was the NCAA DI Indoor Mile Runner-Up and the Outdoor 1500m East Region Champion. That same year, he placed fourth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, cementing his place among the nation’s elite.
His accolades piled up: 2022 Cross Country First Team All-SEC, 2022 First Team All-American (Mile), 2022 Second Team All-American (DMR), 2021 SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year, and multiple First Team All-American honors. These achievements didn’t just highlight his talent—they showcased his resilience and dedication.
Kipsang’s professional career was just beginning to take off. In December 2023, he signed with Adidas and joined Tinman Elite in Colorado, though his time as a pro was tragically brief. He only raced once for Tinman Elite in 2024, but his potential was undeniable. Many saw him as the next big hope for Kenya in the 1500m, a distance where the country has a storied Olympic history but has recently struggled to dominate against global rivals.
The Impact of Eliud Kipsang’s Passing
Eliud Kipsang’s death has left a void in the track and field world. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with athletes, coaches, and fans expressing their grief and sharing memories of his kindness, determination, and infectious spirit. The University of Alabama and Tinman Elite have both released statements honoring his legacy, while a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family with repatriation and funeral expenses.
Kipsang’s story is especially poignant because it underscores the fragility of life, even for elite athletes who seem invincible. His passing comes less than two years after he turned professional and just as he was beginning to realize his dreams. The running community is left to wonder what might have been—had he lived, could he have challenged the likes of Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen for supremacy in the 1500m?
Beyond his athletic achievements, Eliud Kipsang will be remembered for his humility and generosity. Teammates describe him as a leader who always put others first, both on and off the track. His legacy will live on not only in the record books but in the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided to young runners everywhere.
Remembering Eliud Kipsang: A Call to Action
As the world reflects on the loss of Eliud Kipsang, it’s important to honor his memory by supporting his family and celebrating his achievements. The outpouring of grief and solidarity from the global running community is a testament to the impact he made in such a short time.
If you’d like to contribute to the GoFundMe for Eliud Kipsang’s family, consider making a donation or sharing the campaign with your network. Let’s ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.