Today (Thursday 13 February 2014) in Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates, Wilson’s achievement was given global recognition during a presentation at the Race Village of the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon. Wilson was presented with his award on the eve of the RAK Half Marathon, where he is a guest of honour. The presentation was made by Race Director of the RAK Half Marathon and AIMS Continental PR Manager for Asia Nathan Clayton.

Kipsang (31) broke the World Record at the BMW Berlin Marathon on 29 September 2013, recording a time 15 seconds faster than the previous World Record set by his compatriot Patrick Makau in the same event in 2011. Wilson’s victory in the BMW Berlin Marathon in 2013 was the seventh marathon win of his career.

Wilson’s time of 2.03.23 has been officially recognised as the World Record by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) and by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races which represents over 350 distance running events in 103 countries and territories) the organisation that set the first world record criteria for performances on the road later adopted by the IAAF.

AIMS have been awarding athletes in recognition of World Record breaking performances since 1985. This is the second time that Wilson has been given an award by AIMS. His outstanding performances throughout 2013 were recognised with the AIMS Best Marathon Runner Award in November 2013 at the AIMS Gala Dinner sponsored by OPAP in the city of Athens, Greece. In addition to winning the BMW Berlin Marathon in September, Wilson started the year by winning the New York Half Marathon in March.

Race Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and AIMS Continental PR Manager for Asia Nathan Clayton comments: “I am delighted to be able to present this award to Wilson on the occasion of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, where Wilson set his personal best in the half marathon. We are honoured that AIMS has chosen our event to host this prestigious ceremony.”

AIMS President Paco Borao comments: “We are delighted to present Wilson with this award on behalf of the 350 AIMS members in 103 countries and territories throughout the World. Wilson is an excellent athlete and we are pleased to recognise his great achievement with this award.”

Wilson Kipsang comments: “It is a great honour to be recognised by AIMS and their members around the world with this award. I would like to thank AIMS and their sponsors for presenting me with this award.”