Eliud Kipsang: 1996-2025

---

Written by Conor Daly, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin

---

Eliud Kipsang, a former distance running superstar for Alabama and a now-former collegiate record holder over 1500 meters, has tragically passed away.

He was 28 years old.

The cause of death has been linked to a medical complication.

During his time at the University of Alabama, Kipsang emerged as one of the NCAA’s most talented distance stars. The Kenyan standout is most widely known for once holding the NCAA 1500-meter record with a fantastic 3:33.74 run at the 2022 Bryan Clay Invitational.

Kipsang was similarly impressive across numerous events, with head-turning personal bests of 1:46.99 (800m), 3:54 (mile), 7:53 (3k) and 13:39 (5k).

Moreover, Kipsang claimed a pair of SEC titles in 2021, with the first coming over 1500 meters and the second coming on the cross country course. The Crimson Tide standout earned three All-American honors, including a runner-up finish in the mile at the 2021 NCAA Indoor Championships.

According to Alabama Athletics, Kipsang graduated with a degree in public health in December 2023. That same month, we caught up with Kipsang to discuss his pro signing with Adidas and as a new member of Tinman Elite.

During this conversation, Kipsang spoke fondly of his time at Alabama under Coach Dan Waters, saying that his experience in Tuscaloosa, "changed [his] life." He also discussed his future opportunities in Boulder, Colorado that he was most looking forward to and his goal to make it to the World Championships.

According to World Athletics, Kipsang had not competed since 2023.