COACHES

Gilbert Tuhabonye

Founder and Downtown Group Coach

When he started the Gazelles training group in 2002, Gilbert wanted to make a difference. He wanted to help change and enrich the lives of other runners, just as running had changed his own. For more than 15 years, he has helped hundreds of runners reach their goals—from completing a neighborhood 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Gilbert is a natural leader and motivator. Growing up in Burundi, he instinctively took on a coaching role on his high school track team when his coaches were busy with other sports. His genuine enthusiasm for helping others is expressed in every workout as he generously shares his time and talent with each Gazelle. Gilbert and the rest of his coaching staff pledge to create a fun, supportive and healthy environment for runners of all abilities.

Gilbert’s amazing life story is well known across Austin and beyond. To learn more about how his life as a student and top athlete in Burundi turned into a horrifying fight for survival in a national genocide, click here.

Personal Bests:

• 5K - 14:32

• 10K - 31:33 Overall Champion 2002 (Austin, TX)

• 10 miles - 50:50

• 20K - 1:03:15

• Half Marathon - 1:07:00

• 30K - 1:39:00

• Marathon - 2:22:07

Murphy Reed

Far West Group Coach

Murphy joined the Gazelles with one simple goal in mind: to get faster. What he didn’t expect was how quickly he would fall in love with the culture, the camaraderie, and the uniquely supportive spirit that defines this community. Under Gilbert’s coaching—and inspired by his philosophy to Run with Joy—Murphy not only improved his speed but discovered a renewed passion for helping others grow.

Murphy spent his career in sales leadership, building high‑performing teams and coaching people to reach their potential. Now retired from corporate life, he continues to consult and coach professionally, channeling that same energy into motivating runners of all backgrounds. What keeps him coming back to the Gazelles is the people: the encouragement, the shared goals, and the sense of family that makes every workout meaningful.

As a coach, Murphy hopes to pay forward the support he received—creating an environment where runners feel welcomed, challenged, and inspired to find their own joy in the journey.

Reese Bailey

Youth Gazelles Assistant Coach

Anne Hughes

Club Manager

Anne started running with the Gazelles in 2004. She came to her first workout thinking it was a six week, one-time class on strength and speed work. Under Gilbert’s coaching and lots of support from the Gazelle community her marathon times improved significantly. Along the way, Anne discovered that the Gazelles are a family that have kept her coming back and running with the joy that Gilbert inspires!

Anne’s career background is in electrical engineering and engineering management. After retiring in 2022, she stepped into the role of club manager in 2023. As a long-time Gazelle, she hopes to continue providing welcoming environment for new members and maintaining excellent customer service for this great community of runners.

Core/Strength coach

Richard Mendez - FRI  5:30am