New Zealand marathon runner Allison Roe's achievements in sport will be honoured with an international award in New York this weekend.
The Abebe Bikila Award is presented annually to an internationally high-achieving runner.
It recognises Roe's contribution to long-distance running, which peaked with her winning the New York marathon in 1981.
The award
is named after the famous Ethiopian barefoot runner who won two Olympic marathon gold medals.
Bikila died in 1973.
New Zealand United Nations ambassador Don McKay will accept the award on Roe's behalf.
Roe is unable to personally receive it because of commitments in New Zealand establishing a series of walking and running health fundraising events.
Roe said she was honoured to receive the award.
But she said that her present role, helping to promote the prevention of diseases through good health practises, was now just as much a passion for her as being an accomplished runner was.
- NZPA
