Hébert Landu, civil engineer and passionate runner shares his journey from stress-relief runs at university to proudly representing Congo at international marathons. His story is one of resilience, faith, and a deep love for the transformative power of running.

left: Hébert’s first Congo River Marathon 2024, right: Girls & Women Fun Run 5K 2025, Kinshasa

Can you introduce yourself to the readers and tell us how you did first get into running, and what inspired you to keep going?

Hello, I’m Hébert Landu. Well, I’m a lovely son, brother, and friend (I think, lol), a civil engineer with a focus on water resource management, a reader, a runner, but mostly a Christian. During my studies at polytechnic, I used to run to deal with stress and tough challenges. Running was more a recovery and healing process for my mind at that time. Then, I met a group of Belgian students who were really involved in running, and they pushed me to get into it. I found it really good for my body and mind, and I kept running because I enjoy it when I run; I feel like a bird.

Congratulations again on winning the flight ticket to South Africa as a finisher of the Congo River Marathon 2024! What was your reaction when you heard your name called?

Thank you! I was surprised and happy. Actually, I wasn’t online when you published the results, and my sister called to ask me about it. I was like: "What are you talking about?" My Instagram wasn't even that active back then. Then I looked up my password and account name and saw it. It was real, it wasn't fake. So, thank you guys!

What did this opportunity to travel to South Africa mean to you—not just personally, but also as a runner representing the CRM community?

The opportunity to travel to South Africa had a profound meaning for me, both personally and as a runner representing the CRM community. You know, going to Mandela’s country as an African, as a history lover, as a tourist—it was an incredible privilege. I'm deeply grateful to have had this opportunity. As a runner, being in one of Africa's most active running countries taught me a lot about discipline, diet, rest, and the culture of running. It opened me up to the world of “running” in a more serious way: the culture, the training, the outfit, ... I discovered the real benefits of running, which I used instinctively when I was at university. I discovered that, whether you're a doctor, engineer, lawyer or other professional, running gives you mental strength and the art of not giving up. And that’s means a lot. It was also an opportunity to proudly showcase the CRM community's involvement in running and our commitment to collaboration and shared value. I made sure to wear my CRM shirt on every run.

You recently ran Run Rome The Marathon, proudly wearing our colors. What was that race like for you—from the atmosphere to the course, to how you felt at the finish line?

Oh! That one, the "museum marathon" as I call it. Just an amazing experience running through the history of human civilization as well as Christianity. It was a life experience, unforgettable. It was my hardest marathon because I had just recovered from an injury two weeks before, so it was tough, but I managed to finish it. I was exhausted, but also very happy.

*Finish Line at Run Rome The Marathon 2025*

What were some of the biggest challenges during the Rome Marathon, and how did you push through them ?

Mainly, maintaining pace and managing energy. I found some guys who ran at my pace and we did it together. I found strength in the group, and the pain subsided. As you know, pain is just the French word for bread.

Looking ahead, how are you currently preparing for the Congo River Marathon on June 1? Has Rome influenced your training or mindset in any way?

Yeah, my preparation is going well. I’m following a structured training plan. I have learned a lot from my experience in Roma, particularly with regard to diet and rest part of the training. And the most important thing is to give our best and reach the finish line.

Do you have a specific goal in mind for CRM 2025—whether it’s a time, a feeling, or something more personal?

I think this time it's more about the sensation, I want to feel less exhausted than last time.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about signing up for their very first race—maybe even their first 10K or Halfmarathon?

Go ahead and try. You can do it. The challenge is more mental than physical. Running teaches you the art of not giving up, going through the end of things, to the finish line. It’s you versus you for a better you.

Is there a moment from either CRM 2024 or Rome that stands out as unforgettable? One of those memories you’ll carry with you?

The CRM 2024 finish line, because it was my first marathon. I didn't think I could do it. I was injured three months before I had a car accident, so I couldn't walk for a whole month. Three weeks before, I was thinking of cancelling or at least doing a 10 km or half-marathon. But something inside me said, “Hebert, you can do it”, and I did. So that’s my best memory and the one that motivates me the most.

Finally, if you had to sum up what the Congo River Marathon means to you in one word, what would it be—and why?

Resilience. Because running is about giving your best, challenging your body and mind, getting up after every fall, pushing until you reach the goal, the target, the line.
The Congo River Marathon gives us the opportunity to train this ability. We need resilience in all aspect of our live as individuals and as a country, to face our challenges and difficulties. This is the best legacy that the Congo River Marathon offers to the Congolese people and to all our guests from all over the world.

“Running teaches you the art of not giving up, going through the end of things, to the finish line. It’s you versus you for a better you.”

“This marathon represents more than a race, it’s a celebration of Congolese resilience, identity, and progress.”

Congo River Marathon