Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge Named United Nations Personality of the Year

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has been named United Nations Personality of the Year.

The Olympic Champion was feted during the UN 73rd Anniversary celebrations at the United Nations offices in Gigiri, Nairobi on Wednesday. On October 24th every year, the global body marks UN Day, the day it was established in 1945.

"At every UN Day celebration, we honour an individual who best personifies our values and ideals,” the UN Kenya office says in a statement.

The 33-year-old set a new World marathon record after clocking 2 hours, 01 minute and 39 seconds at the Berlin Marathon held in September.

The UN says the runner was chosen for the title after exhibiting extraordinary achievement that involves initiative, integrity and courage. This is in addition to his efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.

The feting comes a day after Kipchoge was nominated for Male World Athlete of the Year at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) awards.