Eliud Kipchoge Named UN Person of the Year

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge was named the United Nations Person of the Year by the UN office in Nairobi.

Kipchoge was honoured for his extraordinary sports performances and results and also for his work on HIV/AIDS in Kenya.

UNESCO, through its Twitter account, stated, "Congratulations to @EliudKipchoge as @UN Person of the Year 2018, for his extraordinary Sports performances & results, his work on HIV/AIDS in Kenya, his endurance, his courage, embodying the ideals of the @UN."

On Wednesday, Un Kenya announced that they would honour an individual who best personified their values and ideals. 

"I will use my success story to sensitize people in Kenya about the dangers of HIV and Aids," Kipchoge stated during his speech at the ceremony.

The star athlete was honoured during the UN Day which marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. 

With the ratification of this founding document, the United Nations was officially formed.

The World Marathon Record Holder and Olympic Champion is also leading a list of three Kenyans who have been shortlisted for the 2018 IAAF Male Athlete of the Year Award.

Kipchoge, who stunned the world in September cutting almost a minute and a half to set a new World Record of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds is seen as the front-runner for the award to be dished out at the IAAF Gala in Monaco in December.

The athlete, who began the year by winning the London Marathon made – London Marathon champion the biggest improvement on a men’s marathon world record since 1967.