Beamon, 65, was presented with the Sri Chinmoy-founded World Harmony Run Torch-Bearer award.
The award was presented to the Olympian besides former US Congressman Ben Gilman and wife of Olympic legend Al Oerter Cathy Oerter for their world harmony related activities at a ceremony in front of the UN headquarters to mark silver jubilee celebrations of the World Harmony Run.
Founded in 1987 by the world peace dreamer Sri Chinmoy of India to inspire humanity for a harmonious world, thousands of people participated in the run across the globe in various countries.
In the United States, WHR was carried out in 50 states spread over four months through a 10,000 miles relay. The European 50 countries-torch-relay will end in October in Vienna, Austria.
Runs have also taken place in Canada, India, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Canadian mountain climber Samuel Nirabadhi Wyatt carried the World Harmony Run Torch to the top of Mt Everest to mark the 25th anniversary.