Kenyan Marathoner Patrick Cheruiyot Dies

Kenyan marathoner Patrick Cheruiyot has passed away.

Cheruiyot died in Nairobi on Friday, four days after he unexpectedly dropped out of Graz Marathon in Austria, where he acted as the pacemaker of the race’s eventual winner, Mathew Kemboi.

While confirming his death, sports agency Volare Sports indicated that Cheruiyot abandoned his role at the 3-kilometer point after complaining of a headache.

"He had to drop out of the race at 3km point. He complained of headache and the medical aid services helped and examined him. Nothing serious was found and he was ready to travel home," the agency said in a statement on Sunday.

Kemboi went ahead to win the race in 2 hours 15 minutes, 12 seconds. 

After returning to the country, Cheruiyot was admitted to a hospital in Nairobi, where he was treated for malaria without any improvement.

"On Wednesday, October 16, a CT scan was made of his head. Brain hemorrhage was seen and on Friday 18th October, he passed away," the agency said, adding that he was one of the most promising marathoners.

He emerged fifth in the 2018 edition of Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon. Cheruiyot leaves a widow and two children.