the Athletics fraternity was thrown into mourning on Friday, July 7, following the death of former Boston and New York marathon champion, Joseph Chebet.
The 53-year-old died early Saturday morning after a short illness. His brother said the former athlete was receiving treatment at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret before he passed on.
Joseph clinched the Boston and New York marathon title in 1999. He clocked the winning time 2:09.52 and 2:O9.14 in the Boston and New York marathon respectively.
In 1998, Joseph lost the title to Moses Tanui three seconds and later came second again at the New York marathon the same year.
He also has another feather in his cap which is the 2003 Vienna marathon title.
Read also: Kenyan referee Mary Njoroge to officiate 2023 Women’s World Cup
After his retirement, he ventured into farming in his Kapyego home in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei said Chebet was a hard-working athlete who brought fame to the country in the late 90s.
“We have lost an icon. He is one of the Legends who brought fame to our country. I want to send my condolences to the family, friends and the Athletics fraternity for their loss,” said Tuwei in a statement.
Two-time Boston Marathon champion, hailed the fallen athlete and shared the good memories of when they competed in 1998.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting
“Chebet was a good athlete and would fight till the finish line. I remember inthe1998 Boston marathon, I ran with him until the finish line where I managed to beat him by three seconds. It’s sad we’ve lost him and want to send my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult moment,” said Tanui.
