Alabama track and field is mourning the loss of Eliud Kipsang, a former standout athlete and collegiate record holder, who died on Tuesday evening.
Kipsang was known for his achievements while competing for the Crimson Tide. In 2021, he won gold in the 1,500 meters at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Championships and also secured first place at the SEC Cross Country Championships. He was named the 2021 SEC Runner of the Year.
In 2022, Kipsang broke the collegiate record in the men’s 1,500 meters with a time of 3:33.74. This mark remains among the top five times in collegiate history and stands as Alabama’s school record. Over his career at Alabama, Kipsang set three school records in indoor mile, indoor distance medley relay, and outdoor 1,500 meters. He also placed in Alabama’s all-time top ten in six other events.
Head coach Dan Waters commented on Kipsang’s passing: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Eliud Kipsang, one of the most gifted athletes ever to wear crimson and white. His impact on our program extended far beyond records and championships; he was a beloved teammate, a brother to so many and a dear friend to me, personally. On behalf of the entire Alabama family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. The running community has lost a remarkable soul.”
Born on September 9, 1996 in Eldoret, Kenya, Kipsang competed in Africa Championship trials in 2019 before joining Alabama for the 2020-21 season. That year he claimed an SEC title in the outdoor 1,500-meter run and finished second in the 800-meter event. He earned First Team All-America honors that season.
During his time with Alabama cross country, he was named SEC Runner of the Year after winning an individual conference title and earned All-South Region honors following a top-five finish at NCAA South Region Championships.
At the 2022 NCAA Indoor Championships, Kipsang earned First Team All-America recognition after scoring in the mile event and helped lead Alabama’s distance medley relay team to a bronze medal at that year’s conference meet.
In addition to breaking records during his final outdoor season at Alabama in 2022—including his historic performance in the 1,500 meters—Kipsang played a key role guiding Crimson Tide men to their fourth SEC cross country title that same year. He continued earning First Team All-SEC honors through these contributions.
Kipsang leaves behind six top-10 performances on Alabama’s all-time lists:
– Indoor mile: program record (3:54.36), set in 2022
– Outdoor 1,500m: program record (3:33.75), set in 2022
– Indoor distance medley relay: program record (9:22.43), set in 2022
– Indoor 3,000m: No.5 all-time (7:53.19), set in 2022
– Outdoor 800m: No.8 all-time (1:46.99), set in 2021
– Outdoor 5,000m: No.8 all-time (13:39.67), set in 2021
