Honorary graduates 2019

Eliud Kipchoge (LLD)

Saturday 14 December 2019 2:00pm

Eliud Kipchoge is seen as the greatest marathon runner of all time. During an unparalleled career, the Kenyan distance running great has won 11 out of 12 official marathon races, claiming the Olympic title, eight Marathon Major victories (four London, three Berlin and one Chicago Marathon) and is also the owner of the official world record.

In his most recent outing at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Eliud created history by becoming the first person to run a subtwo-hour marathon. In a remarkable feat of endurance, Eliud delivered his 'moon-landing' moment by crossing the finish line in a mind-blowing 1:59:40 as he delivered on his pledge to prove 'No Human Is Limited.'

Eliud first burst on to the international scene as a teenager, winning the under-20 race at the 2003 World Cross Country Championships before later that year inflicting a shock defeat on running icons Hicham El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele to claim a stunning 5000m gold medal at the 2003 World Athletics Championships.

Born and raised by a single mother and three older siblings in the village of Kapsisiywa in Nandi County, Eliud was earning a living delivering milk on his bike when, inspired to become a professional runner, he approached Patrick Sang, a near neighbour and former World and Olympic 3000m steeplechase silver medalist, for coaching advice.

Eliud, 35, was also recently presented the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) award by President Uhuru Kenyatta – the highest honour in Kenya.