Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after allegedly being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. 

The Ugandan long-distance runner, who lives in Kenya, suffered extensive burns across 75 per cent of her body following Sunday's alleged attack. 

A police report from the weekend says Cheptegei was doused in petrol and set ablaze by the runner's former boyfriend. 

It's claimed the altercation followed an argument at Cheptegei's home in Trans Nzoia County - a province in western Kenya that sits on the border with Uganda. 

A statement from police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom at the time said: "The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."

Cheptegei was reported to be receiving specialised treatment at a hospital in Kenya, alongside her former partner, who also sustained burns during the attack. 

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Cheptegei had passed away less than one month after competing at the Olympics. 

A statement from the Ugandan Olympic Committee read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rebecca Cheptegei who passed on early this morning.

"Rebecca recently represented Uganda at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Women's Marathon.

"We urge the relevant law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice for this cowardly and deplorable actions.

"We condole with the Family and entire sports Fraternity. May Rebecca's gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

"Together, let us stand united in saying NO to violence against women."

Whereas the Ugandan Athletics Federation reacted to the news on X: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

"As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace."

Cheptegei competed at the Paris 2024 Games, finishing 44th in the women's marathon. 

She also took gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand two years ago. 

Cheptegei's death is the latest in a growing list of fatal attacks on athletes stationed in Kenya after Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death three years ago. 

Just months later Damaris Mutua was found strangled in her own home, while last year, Benjamin Kiplagat had been discovered with stab wounds in his chest near the town of Eldoret.