Reigning Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was, on Friday, named the ambassador of the fund-raising initiative 'Sunfeast India Run As One', starting on Saturday.

Kipchoge became the first man on the planet to cover the marathon distance in less than two hours.

The 35-year-old clocked 1:59:40 to create an athletic spectacle in Vienna, thus elevating his credentials as the world's greatest marathoner.

"India is very close to my heart and I have had the opportunity to witness the warmth and hospitality of this beautiful nation. The idea of helping people through running or walking or jogging, is a thoughtful way of engaging people for a good cause.

"And this is the reason I have joined Sunfeast India Run As One as its Ambassador," Kipchoge was quoted as saying in a media release.

The "virtual event" will support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the citizen-led movement bringing together people of 28 states and eight union territories.

The 30-day movement will kick-start on Saturday while registrations will continue till September 11.