The men's marathon world record holder had died in a car accident in Kenya over the weekend.
Kevin Kiptum, 24, was killed on Sunday at around 11pm along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana of Rwanda.
It is understood Mr Kiptum lost control of his vehicle which rolled over.
A female in the car was injured in the crash and was taken to hospital.
Mr Kiptum had smashed the world record for a marathon in Chicago last October with a time of two hours and 35 seconds for the 26.1 mile race.
He beat the record of fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge.
Kenyan sports minister Ababu Namwamba posted a tribute stating: "Devastatingly sickening. Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words."
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said Mr Kiptum was "an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly".
Mr Kiptum was a father-of-two.
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