Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Eliud Kipchoge looks on during the the unveiling of the Isuzu 1:59 D-Max Limited Edition on October 11, 2022.

ATHLETICS Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Joel Omotto 10:21 - 22.10.2023

Kenya’s marathon great Eliud Kipchoge has earned another cap after being appointed the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Integrity and Values

Kenya’s marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has been appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Integrity and Values.

Kipchoge was announced as the ambassador during UNESCO’s ninth International Conference against Doping in Sport in Paris, France on Saturday.

UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, Director-General said the organisation and Kipchoge share a common commitment to sporting values as a driving force for social interaction, sustainable development and peace with the marathon great having used his status to advocate for public good while acting as an inspiration to the athletes.

“He also used his fame to serve others and the public good, by advocating for access to education for all and for climate action, and by creating the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation in 2021. Today he stands out as a role model for young athletes,’’ said Azoulay.

UNESCO hopes Kipchoge will use his new role to amplify the organisation’s actions and impact around the world by participating in the promotion of the flagship sports initiative Fit for Life, recognizing young people as key players in promoting sustainable development.

“Under this flagship, he will contribute in particular to the Youth Accelerator Program which, through sports activities and training based on the values of sport, provides young people with the skills to support the development of their communities, read part of the statement,” added Azoulay.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, has won 11 of the 15 major marathons he has featured in, including five in Berlin and four in London.

He was the world marathon record holder until compatriot Kelvin Kiptum broke his record in Chicago two weeks ago and also became the first man to run a marathon under two hours after clocking 1:59:40, in the race dubbed INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria in 2019.