Behind every successful athlete, there’s often a dedicated coach, and in Kiptum’s case, it was Gervais Hakizimana.
Hakizimana’s story began in the Nyaruguru area of Norther Rwanda where he was born in 1987. He emerged on the athletic scene in 2006 with a distinct focus on pursuing brilliance in sports.
His initial connection with Kenya that year was critical, as it catalyzed his immersive training experience in Kaptagat, located in Uasin Gishu County. Gervais, driven by his passion for athletics, honed his skills in this renowned training ground, displaying a deep commitment to his craft.
His athletic debut at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships held in Mombasa. After the event, he moved to Kenya where he further got into athleticism while carving a name for himself.
However, his stay was unfortunately cut short by the post-election violence that forced him to return to Rwanda for safety.
3 years later, he would proceed to France to further his studies and later work in the European Union for 4 years.
Like many other East African athletes, his journey to where he stands today was marked by difficulties. He once competed in races to make ends meet, all while simultaneously working as a translator for Kenyan athletes in France.
Hakizimana holds a national record in Rwanda for men’s 3000m stipple-chase with a time of 8:39.05 and he participated in the 36th edition of the London Marathon in 2016.
He dropped out from the race about after 33 kilometres due to injury and that was his last marathon attempt, although he had taken part in short races like 10km and half marathons in France and other overseas countries
Gervais Hakizimana, aged 37, was a distinguished athlete and a family man. He was happily married to one Joan Chelimo.
His partnership with the late Kelvin Kiptum began when Hakizimana, who was training in Kenya, met the young Kiptum in the village of Chepkorio. This was after returning to Kenya with normalcy after the 2007 post-election violence. The late champion set base in Eten, Chepkorio and he used to train near Kiptum’s home. At that time Kiptum was young and he used to follow the senior athletes training.
Kiptum, a teenager at the time, was herding goats and sheep before his fascination with the sport led him to observe Hakizimana and other runners during their training sessions.
Under Hakizimana’s guidance, Kiptum’s talent was harnessed, catapulting him to realize his full potential.
Their partnership grew stronger, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the duo would focus entirely on training.
Following Kiptum’s record-breaking performance in October 2023, Hakizimana provided insight into the athlete’s training regimen. He explained that Kiptum logged 250 to 280 km per week in the lead-up to that year’s London Marathon in April. His routine regularly featured daily morning runs spanning 25–28 km, track workouts on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and intense long runs of 30–40 km at close to marathon pace on Thursdays and Sundays. He trained alternately in the high-altitude areas of Chepkorio and nearby Kerio Valley (800–1,200 m) before the Chicago Marathon.
The two had a great relationship and in 2023, after he won the London Marathon, Hakizimana began spending more time in Kenya to help him keep focused.
Until their untimely demise, the pair prepared to attempt to become the first man to run an official marathon under the two-hour mark in Rotterdam on April 14 after Kiptum announced that he would try.
Kiptum was the overwhelming favourite to take the gold at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
The two will be dearly missed by family, friends, the Chepkorio community and the greater world of athletics.