Kenyan Runner Wins Top UN Award
A Kenyan world marathon record-holder has been named as the 2018 United Nations (UN) Person of the Year.
Eliud Kipchoge, a 33-year-old long-distance runner, was feted during the UN’s 73rd Anniversary celebrations at their offices on Wednesday in Gigiri, Nairobi.
Kipchoge won the marathon gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also set a new marathon record last month in Berlin with a time of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds, taking nearly one minute and 20 seconds off the previous best.
According to Monica Juma, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the award was bestowed upon Kipchoge in recognition of his extraordinary sport performances, raising HIV/AIDS awareness, and his endurance and courage.
In his acceptance speech, Kipchoge said: “I am glad to be honoured and awarded on this special day. I will continue working hard being productive, being responsible in the society and inspire millions of youth in the whole world.”
