nazret.com

Haile in Dubai File Photo

Ethiopia - Gebrselassie targets record in Dubai

Source: hoteliermiddleeast

Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia is looking to break the world record on his return to Dubai in January to defend the title he has won for the past two years at the 2010 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

The current world record holder, Gebrselassie met with race officials in his home town of Addis Ababa last week to confirm he will return to Dubai for a third crack at breaking one of the most celebrated world records in sport on January 22.

“There are few, if any, greater names in athletics history than Haile Gebrselassie so once again we are proud and delighted that he has chosen to make his next marathon appearance in Dubai in three months time,” said event director Peter Connerton.

Dubai Marathon saw Gebrselassie make his Dubai debut in January 2008 with a winning time that was the second fastest in history.

“I still can’t believe I didn’t break the world record in 2008 — everything was perfect except the pace for the first half of the race, which was too fast — for me, Dubai is a perfect racing venue,” he said.

Gebrselassie explained that the short flight from Addis, the weather and the course itself were reasons contributing to his enjoyment of the event.

“The athletes are treated really well and I’m already training hard and looking forward to running again in Dubai in January,” Gebrselassie added.

His return to compete in the US $2 million Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is expected to increase entries for an event that has raised awareness of the emirate as a venue for road running.

Entries for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon are being accepted now at all branches of Fitness First in Dubai and online at the event’s official website www.dubaimarathon.org