The gentleman known as Paul Tergat has been endorsed by Johnnie Walker as one of the world’s most inspirational men, after becoming the first East African to be included in their global ‘Walk With Giants’ campaign.

His struggle to break the distance between a constant flow of silver medals and finally, several golds, is the main focus of his success story and his incredible determination to do better.

On Friday, in a function held in his absence, Tergat was unveiled as a Johnnie Walker Giant, the fifth in Africa after athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, entrepreneur Prince Kofi Amoabeng from Ghana, musician Manu Dibango from Cameroon, and retired soccer player Samson Siasia from Nigeria.

Agnes Kinga, the Marketing Manager, Spirits – Kenya at East African Breweries Limited was on hand to fete Tergat in the function at Galileo.

“In implementing the global Johnnie Walker ‘Walk With Giants’ campaign for Kenya, there was no doubt that running legend, Paul ‘The Gentleman’ Tergat, was the perfect choice. His inspiring tale of perseverance against all odds truly demonstrates the tenets of ‘inspiring personal progress’ in an emotional and compelling way that will inspire Kenyans everywhere to keep walking,” she said.

43-year-old Tergat has described the honour as humbling. He expressed pleasure that the story of his life could be used to inspire people across the world.

EABL Marketing Director Caroline Ndung’u said there was no contest when Tergat was chosen as Kenya’s contribution to the Walk With Giants campaign, because the country could resonate with his struggle to be number one and his eventual success that saw his carry the title of world marathon champion between 2003 and 2007.

“We’re glad that Tergat agreed to be a part of this campaign,” she told Capital Lifestyle.