FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Haile Gebrselassie Coming to Detroit for Free Press / Flagstar Marathon
Visit prompted by involvement in Detroit-based Ethiopian aid organization
DETROIT - (October 7, 2007) - New marathon world record holder Haile
Gebrselassie will be in Detroit the weekend of October 20-21 in a visit
that coincides with the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon.
Gebrselassie, 34, will be in Detroit to support a dinner raising funds for
the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association (ENAHPA), an
organization founded by Detroit cardiac physician Dr. Ingida Asfaw,
dedicated to alleviating the severe health care crisis in Ethiopia.
On September 30, at the real,- Berlin Marathon, Gebrselassie broke the
existing world record by 29 seconds with his 2 hour, 4 minute, 26 second
performance. It was his 23rd world record in distances ranging from 2000
meters to the marathon.
Race organizers said Gebrselassie has indicated that he will start the
marathon and run a portion of the route, but that he has not yet decided
whether he will complete the entire 26.2 miles.
"We are moved and inspired by his level of commitment. As far as I know, no
other athlete has ever been willing to make such a public statement," said
Marathon Director Patricia Ball. "We are excited to have Haile participate
in the Marathon. We've never had anyone of this magnitude to participate in
the race before."
ENAHPA has sponsored 10 medical mission trips to Ethiopia since 2001,
assembling a small army of medical professionals and volunteers who donate
their time and talents to provide free surgical and medical care to
Ethiopian citizens. Gebrselassie is an honorary chair of ENAHPA's Faces of
Ethiopia Inaugural Dinner and will attend the event, held on Saturday,
October 20, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Proceeds from the
dinner will help fund future missions and provide a wide range of health
and human services programs for Ethiopia.
For ticket prices or more information about the Faces of Ethiopia Inaugural
Dinner, contact ENAHPA at (313) 872-2000 or email: .
"Having the world record holder in the marathon with us for the 30th
Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon will make this year's race even more
of a milestone," said Free Press Publisher David Hunke. "The race is an
institution that draws competitors from beyond this region and his
presence, whether he ultimately decides to run the full race or not, will
add to its stature."
The Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon started in 1978 with 1,942
participants. This year's Marathon marks the 30th anniversary of the race,
with 15,000 people expected to run or walk the unique course that crosses
the U.S. / Canadian border twice, featuring musical entertainment along the
way.
The Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon ranks as one of the best venues
for running 26.2 miles in North America. Marathon & Beyond magazine rates
only six marathons higher.
For more information on the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon, call
(313) 222-6676 or e-mail: .
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