Douglas Wakiihuri is a legendary marathon runner who is not so popular among the Kenyans. However, he was the first ever Kenyan to win a world marathon.
The retired long distance runner won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1987 World Championships in Rome.
He held the record for 20 years until 2007 when Luke Kibet became the second Kenyan to win a gold medal at World Championships
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The legendary marathoner, upon retiring, ventured into helping disadvantaged children in Kibera where he trains and mentors them.
He has established the Kibera running club as well as a nursery and primary school creating opportunities for children through sports.
He is also a running coach to Kenya's First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, training her for her Beyond Zero marathons.
Recently, a city road was named after him. Aerodrome Road name was changed to Douglas Wakiihuri Road.
After having a road named after him, the long distance runner noted that even if he was to die, he would do so a happy man.
In April 2021, the 58-year-old was honoured with the highest honour in Japan by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. He was warded ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’.
He was feted in recognition for his many years of contribution to the development and promotion of the bilateral relationship between Kenya and Japan in the sporting and cultural fields.
In December 2021, Wakiihuri was awarded the ‘Order of the Golden Warrior’ by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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