Renowned as the world’s greatest marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge, is elated after receiving this year’s Princess of Asturias award for sports. Kipchoge, who boasts an impressive 16 victories out of 18 marathons, was honoured during a ceremony held in Spain on Friday.
Taking to his social media account, the celebrated champion expressed his deep appreciation for the award, considering it a tremendous honor.
He stated, “Receiving the Princess of Asturias Award tonight fulfills me with honour, as it is an acknowledgment of something I have believed in wholeheartedly throughout my career.”
For Kipchoge, running is not just a physical act; it holds a profound significance. He believes that running serves as a powerful unifying force, transcending mere physical movement.
He recalled his journey from a young boy running in Kapsabet, Kenya, to his current status as a marathon legend.
The Princess of Asturias Awards are prestigious annual prizes presented in Spain by the Princess of Asturias Foundation, formerly known as the Prince of Asturias Foundation.
These awards honor individuals, entities, or organizations from around the world who have made remarkable contributions in the fields of sciences, humanities, and public affairs.
The panel of 15 judges from the foundation described Kipchoge as a legendary figure in the world of athletics, renowned for his unparalleled achievements.
They highlighted his role as a role model in global athletics and his status as the greatest marathon runner of all time.
Notably, Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic champion and holds the world record for the marathon, having completed the 42.195-kilometer race in under two hours, although this achievement has not been officially recognized.
These awards are presented annually in October in a dignified ceremony at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias.
Recipients attending the ceremony receive a diploma, a sculpture specially created for the awards by Spanish sculptor Joan Miró, and a pin bearing the emblem of the Foundation.
In addition, each category comes with a monetary prize of €50,000 (approximately Sh7.9 million), which is shared if there are multiple recipients in the category. The Princess of Asturias Awards were declared by UNESCO in 2004 as an “exceptional contribution to the cultural heritage of Humanity.”
