Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has recognised world record holder Eliud Kipchoge as the GOAT.

Kipchoge was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the conclusion of the Mashuajaa day celebration in Mombasa yesterday.

Kipchoge, got the world talking after becoming the first man to run the marathon distance under two hours when he clocked 1:59:40 in the INEOS challenge a week ago.

President Uhuru described Kipchoge before awarding him, saying,

“Eliud Kipchoge, who is alive and here with us has also inspired the world that no human effort is futile. That we can achieve what has never been achieved before. He remains the greatest of our time and it is our duty to emulate him."

Adding, "Our Shujaa team did us proud by finishing second in Doha World Championships. Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei also made us proud."

"Brigid, on a weekend of global firsts, smashed the women's marathon record so that today Kenya is the global custodian of both the men and women world marathon records.”

The president continued: “Eliud has gone beyond his world record, set in 2018. He has further achieved the hitherto unthinkable fete as the first human being to run the marathon distance under two hours. He is a living legend whose feat is an inspiration to all Kenyans and the planet."

Other athletes have also been nominated for the Heroes and Heroines awards, including former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei, Olympic javelin silver medallist Julius Yego, Malkia strikers skipper Mercy Moim, boxing star Rayton Okwiri, former Harambee Stars coach Mohammed Kheri and Rose Naliaka, who has dedicated her time and resources to develop junior golf.

As well as, Sony Sugar coach James Nandwa, former Sony Sugar, Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth coach Alfred Likhanya, Olympian Jason Dunford and former rugby pro-Edward Rombo who were also on the list.