Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has been awarded the 2023 Princess of Asturias Award for sports by the Spanish foundation Thursday, May 18.
The world marathon record holder was also took home a Joan Miró sculpture representing and symbolizing the Award, a diploma, and a symbol, conferred by 18-year old Princess Leonor of Asturias.
“The Princess of Asturias Award for Sports is to be granted to careers which have become an example of the benefits that practicing sports can bring people together and enhances solidarity and commitment,” a statement from the foundation read.
Kipchoge was picked as the winner following a decision arrived at by a 16-member jury in Spain. As a result, he also walked home with Ksh7.4 million (fifty thousand euros).
He was quick to show his appreciation stating that the award motivates him in his goal to leave a legacy in athletics.
“It is an absolute honour to receive the Princess of Asturias Award. To be amongst a list of extraordinary laureates, all people in different walks of life. It motivates me in my goal to leave a legacy in this world through running since a running world is a more peaceful world, a happier world and a more healthy world,” Kipchoge wrote.
Kipchoge closed his statement by thanking The Princess of Asturias and her parents, Their Majesties The King and Queen of Spain for granting him the honour.
Currently, he holds the record of running a marathon race in less than two hours during the Ineos race in Vienna, Austria. He will be looking to break his record of the timing of 1:59:40 set in Vienna in 2019 before hanging his running shoes.
