Kenya’s celebrated marathon icon, Eliud Kipchoge, received an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
The recognition took place during the university’s 41st graduation ceremony on December 1, acknowledging Kipchoge’s outstanding contributions to society and his remarkable achievements in athletics.
At the 2023 graduation ceremony, a total of 4,775 candidates received their degrees, including 513 diplomas, 3,674 bachelor’s degrees, 145 postgraduate diplomas, 392 master’s degrees, and 50 doctoral degrees.
The Doctor of Human Letters (L.H.D) is an honorary doctorate bestowed upon individuals who have made significant societal contributions without the traditional academic route of attending classes and writing a thesis.
Kipchoge was honored for his exemplary service to society and his unparalleled accomplishments in the world of athletics.
Eliud Kipchoge gained international acclaim in 2019 when he broke the marathon world record in Vienna, completing the race in an astonishing 1:59:50, becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours. This feat introduced the inspirational motto, ‘no human is limited.’
His athletic journey began in 2003 when he became the world champion in the 5000 meters race, securing a bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics and a silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Kipchoge continued to set records, winning the London Marathon in 2016 and claiming a gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kipchoge emerged victorious at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021.
His illustrious career also includes victories in the U20 Cross Country World Championship (Lausanne, Switzerland 2003), a gold medal in the 5000-meter event of the 2010 Diamond League, and multiple first-place finishes in the Golden League.
Acknowledging his remarkable achievements, World Athletics named Kipchoge Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
In 2021, he further extended his impact by establishing the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, dedicated to enhancing early childhood education and environmental protection.
This honorary degree from JKUAT stands as a testament to Eliud Kipchoge’s enduring legacy, not only as a record-breaking athlete but also as a humanitarian contributing to the betterment of society.
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