Kenyan athletics legend passes away

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 9, 2026 – Former Kenyan long distance runner David Chelule has passed away at the age of 49. Confirming the development, Athletics Kenya (AK) said the 1996 World Cross Country junior champion passed away on Friday (November 6). The federation eulogised Chelule as a man who hoisted the Kenyan flag high on the international stage, adding gloss to the country’s reputation as the bedrock of middle and long-distance athletics. “His dedication, talent and commitment to athletics earned him a place in Kenya’s rich sporting history. His contribution to the sport will be rem...

Confirming the development, Athletics Kenya (AK) said the 1996 World Cross Country junior champion passed away on Friday (November 6).

The federation eulogised Chelule as a man who hoisted the Kenyan flag high on the international stage, adding gloss to the country’s reputation as the bedrock of middle and long-distance athletics.

“His dedication, talent and commitment to athletics earned him a place in Kenya’s rich sporting history. His contribution to the sport will be remembered by fellow athletes, coaches and wider athletics fraternity,” AK said in a condolence message.

The federation added: “His passing is a great loss to his family, friends and the entire athletics community. Athletics Kenya extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, former teammates and all those who knew and worked with him during his athletics career.”

Source: Capital FM Sports