Gervais Hakizimana one of the country’s top runners and currently based in France, over the weekend won a 14km race dubbed ‘Coutainville’.

Hakizimana beat a strong field in a time 44 minutes and 40second and was followed by Morocco’s Labri Es Sraidi, who clocked 43 minutes and 50 seconds.

Kenyan David Munyutu came in third place with 42 minutes and 58 seconds.

In an E-mail to Times Sport the fast improving runner noted that winning such competitions helps him in his bid to compete at the London Olympics of 2012.

"I am determined to win as many races as possible. My ultimate aim is to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London,” the former APR runner said.

Hakizimana has won four races, including two in steeple chase since he moved to France early this year.

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