NAIROBI, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Former world marathon record holder Paul Tergat has condemned threats against local athletes and dismissed allegations that they were involved in post-election violence, the Standard newspaper reported Monday.

    In a statement on Sunday, Tergat said athletes were professionals who organize and run their races.

    "I abhor and condemn any form of violence anywhere in Kenya, and protest at unwarranted and sensational linking of athletes to violence without evidence. Threats to our athletes can only serve to isolate our country from the international community which vigorously uses sports to enhance unity," said Tergat, who is also World Food Programme (WFP) Ambassador Against Hunger.

    "It is true that post-election violence that rocked the country was monumental, in terms of loss of life and property in Eldoret town in Rift Valley (Province) -- the heart of long distance running globally. However, this should not be equated with the participation of the athletes who hail from or train there," he said.

    The International Crisis Group (ICG) has accused athletes of fanning violence in the region.

    However, Kenyan Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe dismissed the report by ICG saying no athlete was on the list of people suspected to have been involved in the violence.

    Tergat said athletes have been guided by the principle of friendship and sportsmanship.

    "For example, they participate in Tarda talent search road races in Central, Eastern and Coast Provinces, promote and participate in events anywhere in Kenya -- be it Noachian in Thika, Dedan Kimathi in Nyeri, Lewa in Isiolo, Kisii and Kapenguria in West Pokot. We wear national colors during national and international championships, we are the ambassadors of our great land," he said.

    "Personally, I have visited many countries across the world ravaged by war and witnessed the suffering of children and women while doing duty for WFP. My colleagues, too, are widely traveled and know how beautiful our country is in comparison to many others. We can, therefore, be the last people to engage in any activity that threatens peace," he said.