Gebrselassie set for Manchester 10k run

Submitted by editor on 12 March 2009 - 11:33pm

 

Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie at the Glo marathon clinic in LagosEthiopia's Haile Gebrselassie has confirmed he will contest for the second BUPA Great Manchester Run  10k title on May 17.

The BUPA Great Manchester Run, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, is one of the world's leading 10 kilometres road races which attracts 33,000 entrants last year.

Gebrselassie, 35, who ran the fastest time ever on British roads (27:25) on his Manchester debut in 2005 is arguably the world's greatest-ever distance runner having set a remarkable total of 26 World records/bests in his career.

He posted the current world record for the distance (27:02) in Doha  in December 2002 and will be bidding to regain his UK All-Comers' mark taken away by Kenya Micah Kogo (27:21) at the 2007 race.

Gebrselassie said after winning the Dubai Marathon in mid January: "I like Manchester, it is a good fast course and I'm looking forward to returning,

 "It fits perfectly into my programme."