Eliud Kipchoge receives 8M award in Spain

By Tony Kipkorir

Kenya’s marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge added another piece of silverware to his already glittering trophy cabinet as he received the Princess of Asturias Award on Friday, October 20 in a colorful ceremony held in Oviedo, Spain.

The celebrated runner, who was recently in Asia to inspire Chinese athletes, was one of the eight individuals to be awarded due to his prowess in athletics that has superceded what was once thought to be impossible.

Reacting after bagging the prestigious award, the Double Olympic champion expressed his delight to getting feted as he described how running as an act has become more than physical movement to him.

“Receiving the Princess of Asturias Award tonight fulfills me with honor, as it’s an acknowledgement for something that I’ve believed in thoroughly throughout my career.

To some, running is simply an act of physical movement. But ever since I started running as a young boy in Kapsabet, Kenya, I knew running meant something much greater than that. 

Running is not just physical movement. Running is a vehicle that has the power to unite us,” his statement read in part. 

The man who used to sell milk at a local market domiciled near Kapsabet town also urged the universe to embrace running as a mechanism to help push past any barriers that anyone may have.

“We can only achieve greatness if we fully believe that there is nothing holding us back. There are no limits, just what our mind tricks us to believe. So, I urge you to see the world this way.

To see the world without limits and to see all that is possible. A running world is a happy world. A running world is a united world,” ended Kipchoge. 

The winners received a sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miró and a whopping prize money of $53,000 (approximately Ksh 7,800,000). 

The eight winners came from diverse sectors that ranged from arts, science, sports, literature to international cooperation among others.

Others who were honored include popular Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, American actor Meryl Streep, biologists Peter Greenberg, Jeffrey Gordon, and Bonnie Bassler.

Italian author Nuccio Ordine and French historian Hélène Carrère d’Encausse, who both died in 2023 were represented by loved ones. 

Kenyans from all walks of life took time to congratulate Kipchoge for yet another incredible milestone.

Dade Kiprono, a Facebook user thanked Kipchoge for mentoring many people and uniting the world.

“Congratulations to you and your accomplishments. You truly inspire those who are positive, ready and believe in uniting as one through sport,” stated Kiprono.

Edward Mutua was delighted that the Kaptagat based runner finally meet the Spanish princess.

“Shaking princess Leonor’s hands is more than enough for me,” he commented.