Kenyan Athlete Dies After Collapsing During Morning Run

The athletics fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of an upcoming international marathoner who collapsed during a routine morning training session in Kapsabet, Nandi County.

Weldon Kerich Cheruiyot, 30, fell down and collapsed while jogging with fellow athletes along a street near the Kapsabet High Courts.

He was part of a training group from Jubilee Athletics Club, where he was registered as a competitive marathon runner.

Cheruiyot was running alongside other athletes when he suddenly slowed down, fell to the ground, and became unresponsive.

His training partners immediately raised alarm and rushed him to the Nandi County Referral Hospital for emergency medical attention.

Despite efforts by medical personnel, the athlete was pronounced dead on arrival at the facility, dealing a devastating blow to his family, teammates, and the wider athletics community.

Cheruiyot, who hailed from Longisa in Bomet County, was the younger brother of celebrated long-distance runner Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, the winner of the 2010 Boston Marathon.

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Cause Of Death

His death has reignited concerns about athlete health monitoring, particularly among long-distance runners training at high altitudes.

Speaking after the incident, his brother confirmed that the deceased had a known medical condition that had affected his career.

“He had been diagnosed with a heart condition five years ago and had been asked to retire from athletics,” Cheruiyot revealed.

However, economic challenges forced the athlete back into training despite medical advice.

“Due to economic conditions, he decided to relocate to Nandi to train, hence the tragedy,” Cheruiyot explained.

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Nandi County Chips In

The Nandi County Government also joined in mourning the athlete, with Sports County Executive Committee Member Rose Angira conveying the county’s condolences to the bereaved family.

She confirmed that the county government had stepped in to assist with logistical arrangements.

According to Angira, “the county had offered to help move the body from Kapsabet to Longisa mortuary near his home, easing the burden on the grieving family.”

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Image of Weldon Kerich the Athlete Who Succumbed While On Training in Kapsabet. PHOTO/ Weldon