Paul Tergat with the World Food Programme in Sudan (© WFP)
Paul Tergat, Kenya's World record holder for the marathon has been bestowed the country's second highest honour by President Mwai Kibaki for his exemplary services to the sport.
The 35-year-old, who won the New York Marathon in a thrilling finish last November, is only the second Kenyan athlete to be honoured with the prestigious "Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear" award after multiple Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino.
Kibaki granted Tergat the award "in recognition of his loyalty and role in bringing glory to the country," the President's Office said in a statement, noting that the runner is also an air force officer and a goodwill ambassador for the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and a Patron of the IAAF humanitarian project ‘Athletics for a Better World’.
Tergat was among several athletes honoured by Kibaki on Monday (12) during celebrations to mark the 42nd anniversary of Kenya's independence from Britain. Marathon runners Catherine Ndereba and Tegla Loroupe were given the Order of Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) awards, while World 5000 metres champion Benjamin Limo received a Head of State Commendation.
AFP
