The Kenyan was reportedly running with a group including 2014 Boston Marathon silver medallist Wilson Chebet and Isaac Maiyo in a 20 kilometre session yesterday morning.

Kipchumba, the first Kenyan to win Deaflympic marathon gold at Melbourne 2005, was running along Eldoret-Kimumu road.

Professional Association of Athletes of Kenya secretary general Gilbert Kiplom said Kipchumba was in the leading pack until the 12km mark.

"He then moved to the road side and collapsed," he added.

"We are used to his jovial joke and persistent positive spirit he had towards bringing change in athletics, and we will surely miss him.

"The association is now planning for a fundraising towards his burial arrangement."

The 31-year-old athlete also won three bronze medals at the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics, in the 800 metres, 5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase.

He won World Deaf Athletics Championships bronze in the 3,000m steeplechase at Izmir 2008.

Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) chairman Peter Kalae said: "On behalf of KSFD, I would like to send my hearty condolence to the family, relatives and friends of the late Edwin Kipchumba.

"May the good Lord rest his soul into eternal peace."