Kenyan Marathon Great Eliud Kipchoge Named World Male Athlete of the Year

Kenya's long distance runner Eliud Kipchoge has been named 2018 World Male Athlete of the Year.

The 34-year-old scooped the award at the annual International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Awards in Monaco, France.

Eliud becomes the second Kenyan athlete to win the prestigious award after David Rudisha, who bagged it in 2010.

"I was happy not only to break the world record, but to run two hours and one minute. I have internalized it now and accepted," Kipchoge said while collecting the award.

This year, Kipchoge smashed the marathon world record in Berlin by 78 seconds after ticking 2:10:39. He also clinched his third London Marathon title.

President Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have congratulated Kipchoge for the accomplishment 

"Your dominance in the marathon has not only propelled you to the history books of icons but has also ensured Kenya remains a world leader in athletics. We are very proud of you," Kenyatta said in a statement.

Colombian Caterine Ibarguen, 34, won the Female Athlete of the Year gong.