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Before the shocking news of a fatal accident on Sunday night, men’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum enjoyed a great relationship with his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana.

The duo had developed a great bond that took them to the global marathon stage, astonishingly smashing the world record last year in Chicago, clocking 2:00:35.

For sure, the two were destined for greatness. However, just when they had announced their arrival in the lucrative and coveted game, death struck them together in similar fashion. The world has been denied an opportunity to witness yet another sporting excellence beyond unfathomable limits from two confidants.

Born in Nyaruguru area in the Northern Province of Rwanda, Gervais Hakizimana was a Rwandese long distance runner who swiftly transitioned to a superstar coach.

The little-known coach was the proverbial guitar carrier for the record breaker Kelvin Kiptum who has since given the world several magical performances on different stages.

From winning the Valencia, London and Chicago Marathon where he clocked a world marathon record of 2:00:35, Kiptum had been under the guidance of the camera-shy coach.

The modest coach could sometimes share with Kiptum training programs on WhatsApp while away in France or in Rwanda and the Kenyan sporting icon would actualize in his quest for stardo.

Hakizimana, 37, first came to Kenya in 2006 when he was an active athlete. He was training in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County and he even took part in the World Cross Country Championships that was hosted in Mombasa in 2007, taking part in the senior men’s category.

However, his stay was unfortunately cut short by the post-election skirmishes that forced him to return to his home country for safety.

He would later go to France for studies for three years and upon finishing, he worked in the European nation for four years.

The man of few words 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 kilometers due to an injury and that was his last marathon attempt, although he has taken part in short races like 10 km and half marathons in France and other overseas countries

In an exclusive interview with People Sport last year, Hakizimana revealed that he met Kelvin Kiptum at a young age, after returning to Kenya 2007,at that time, Kiptum  was only 8 years-old.

Hakizimana noted that he had set base in Eten, Chepkorio and he used to train near Kiptum’s home. At a tender age, Kiptum used to follow the senior athletes training from behind, imitating their running styles.

“I used to do hill work at their farm in Chepsamo. Kiptum and other kids used to run behind us, they would follow us and try to copy how we ran. After he had grown to about age 17, he used to ask me for training programs.