ATHLETICS
Kenyan runner Joseph Kiprono hit by car while leading Colombian half-marathon
During the ill-fated half-marathon, another competitor collapsed and died after being taken to hospital.
Kenyan runner Joseph Kiprono was hit by a car as he was leading a half-marathon in Medellín, Colombia on Sunday.
According to the BBC, Kiprono – a previous winner of the event - suffered cuts and bruises, but doctors claim he is in good conditions.
"Joseph Kiprono was brought in by the emergency staff of the Medellin Marathon,” half-marathon organizers said.
"The patient is stable, has multiple contusions and abrasions in soft tissues, has no fractures of any kind, and orthopaedic doctors reviewed him, he is in good health and is out of danger."
Authorities claim the incident – which occurred 1.5 km prior to the finishing line - happened as the hitting vehicle “violated a car closure”.
Kiprono’s compatriot Daniel Muindi Muteti went on to win the race in 1:03:45.
Ill-fated half-marathon
According to organizers, 38-year-old amateur runner Juan Camilo Arboleda collapsed during the race and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Arboleda suffered from heart problems.
In a tweet, Medellín half-marathon organizers expressed their condolences to the runner’s friends and families.
“Today the joy is not complete. Running is in mourning. We sympathize with the family of Juan Camilo Arboleda Alzate”.