Marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Sunday January 11, 2024.
The incident occurred just outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret, Kenya, with reports indicating that Kiptum, 24, was driving a Toyota Premio at the time.
Gervais Hakizimana, the coach behind Kiptum’s remarkable athletic achievements, was born in the Nyaruguru district at the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Described as a man of few words, Hakizimana’s influence extended globally, particularly as the mentor to record-breaking athlete Kelvin Kiptum.
Gervais Hakizimana’s story is one of perseverance and dedication, he was born in 1988 in Rwanda.
Hakizimana achieved notable success in athletics, holding the Rwandan national record for men’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:39.05.
Despite not being in the spotlight, his contributions to the sport were significant.
Start of his career
Hakizimana’s journey in athletics began in 2006 when he visited Kenya as an active athlete, and gradually making a name for himself.
He trained in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, and even competed in the senior men’s category at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa.
However, due to the 2007 post-election clashes, he returned to Rwanda for safety, later studying in France for three years before working there for an additional four years.
Gervais Hakizimana’s life in France
While in France, Hakizimana like dozens of East African runners, had been actively participating in races across the European country, driven by the prospect of victory bonuses amounting to a few hundred euros.
“I lived for running, I needed money, I ran every weekend. I was paying for the schooling of young people in my family in Rwanda” said Gervais during an interview with Ouest France.
He was acknowledged and valued by race organizers in France and due to his ability to speak French, English, and Swahili, he even served as a translator for Kenyan athletes.
On the French Athletics Federation (FFA) website, Gervais Hakizimana’s profile reveals an impressive record of 123 race participations with only two instances of abandoning between 2008 and 2016.
However, Hakizimana’s athletic journey took a turn as his performance declined, and injuries became recurrent.
In his pursuit of stability, he took on various odd jobs, even working as a courier for an online platform, at one point.
“I worked in cleaning, cleaning buildings, windows for example, to earn a salary, and to justify my papers,” he stated.
In 2022 however, his situation improved as he obtained a ten-year residence permit, bringing a sense of relief.
Also Read: Coaches Behind Kipyegon, Kipchoge, and Kiptum’s Success
While in France, Hakizimana continued to travel back to Kenya for training.
He established a permanent residence in Chepkorio having a room there throughout the year.
Additionally, it was in this region that he crossed paths with Kelvin Kiptum in 2013.
Hakizimana Meets Kelvin Kiptum
The coach’s path intertwined with Kelvin Kiptum’s in 2013.
Observing veteran athletes training near his residence in Chepkorio village., Kiptum sought Hakizamana’s guidance, leading to a training partnership.
The coach shared his rigorous training regimen, advising Kiptum to undertake a scaled-down version due to its intensity for someone of his young age.
Their collaboration flourished, and Kiptum’s quest for athletics stardom bore fruit as he secured victories in the 2018 Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret and the Kass Half Marathon in November 2019.
Under Hakizimana’s guidance, Kiptum achieved remarkable marathon performances, triumphing in Valencia, London, and Chicago, where he set a world record time of 2:00:35.
Hakizimana’s Past Mentees
Hakizimana’s uniqueness lies not in the pursuit of fame but in his dedication to supporting young people’s talents in both his home country and abroad.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, focus, and hard work, evident in his work with Kelvin Kiptum and other talents.
Before Kiptum, he coached Kenyan athlete Kenneth Kipkemoi, winner of the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum, World Marathon Record Holder is Dead
Unfortunately, Kipkemoi was suspended for two years for doping with a beta-blocker in 2020, a sanction that was mitigated after the anti-doping system found that he was “negligent” in medical treatment.
“Unlike Kiptum, he wasn’t disciplined,” Hakizimana said as reported by Ouest France.
The tragic loss of both Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana has left the athletic community and the world mourning even as their absence on the sport remain profound.
As investigations unfold and the athletics world reflects on the legacy of these two figures, their contributions to the sport will undoubtedly be remembered.
