“May I return to Greece and be awarded again? All the marathon runners want to compete in the Classic Marathon in Athens,” he said.
“I am very happy to be in Greece and feel very proud to be voted by AIMS. I hope to keep the high performance and win more medals in great sport events,” Kimetto is quoted by Xinhua after receiving his award.
Kimetto broke the world marathon record in September in Berlin and became the first man to run a marathon in less than two hours and three minutes when he clocked 2:02:57 to obliterate the previous record by 26 seconds.
It was the perfect riposte for the athlete who lost the World Marathon Majors (WMM) USD500, 000 (Sh43.5m) jackpot to Volare Sport teammate and deposed record holder, Wilson Kipsang by a point (76 against 75) last Sunday.
Kimetto succeeded Kipsang as AIMS top male marathoner.
Kiplagat is the current world record holder for the women’s half marathon with her time of 1:05:12 ran in February in Barcelona before finishing second to two-time world champion and namesake, Edna Kiplagat.
She wrapped a successful season by finishing third in Chicago last month although she could be elevated if winner Rita Jeptoo is stripped off victory if found guilty of doping after her A-sample tested positive for EPO pending results of her B-sample test.
“I know I am the best and I will try to keep this title,” Kiplagat who incidentally took the crown won by her namesake last year is cited by Xinhua.
“It is incredibly special for me to receive this prestigious award. It makes it extra special that I have received it in the spiritual home of the marathon in Greece.
“I am well aware of the 2,500 year history of the marathon and I am delighted to feel a small part of it. I would like to thank AIMS for recognising my achievements,” she added.