FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI MARATHON MAKES HAILE'S FAB FIVE
- Running Legend Names Dubai Alongside London and Berlin -
Dubai (UAE): Haile Gebrselassie may have missed out on a world record on
his last two visits to the emirate but the Ethiopian running legend has no
hesitation in naming the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon as one of his
five favourite long distance events.
Currently training in Addis Ababa for another tilt at his world best of
2h:03m:59s in Dubai on January 22, Gebrselassie was asked to name the five
events that have a special place in his heart.
And the two-time Olympic champion was quick to name Dubai alongside
marathons in London, Berlin and Japan.
"I've only raced in Dubai twice but it is one of my favourite events, no
question," said Gebrselassie. "It's close to where I live and train so
travelling isn't a problem. The weather is usually fantastic and the
hospitality is incredible. But it is also a very good course and I am
amazed the organisers can still put together a great route despite all the
wonderful changes taking place in the city."
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under
the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai
Marathon will see Gebrselassie return to one of his favourite venues in
what will be the largest field ever seen in the $US2 million race.
"You know, everyone wants to race in Dubai," he added. "Everywhere I go
after I've run there, athletes ask me 'how do you get such a fast time?
What's it like to run in Dubai?' Of all the races I run in the world, for
me the two best courses are in Berlin and Dubai. These are places where you
can make your own race."
Berlin has been the scene of his last two world records over the classic
42.195km distance and it is understandable why he also named the German
capital among his top five.
"Berlin is a great city and I have won four in a row and broken the world
record there so naturally it is one of my favourites. London is also a
well-established race and I enjoy running there. Hopefully I can go there
in 2012 and do something special in the Olympics. I also have to say
Fukuoka in Japan is one of my favourites - I won the marathon there in 2006
and enjoyed the spirit and hospitality of the venue. It's a place I'd
certainly like to go back to."
As a proud Ethiopian, there is no surprise 'Geb' also names his home city
of Addis Ababa in the top five. "I have to say Ethiopia as it is my home
country and the Great Ethiopian Run in November means a great deal to me."
Supported by Dubai Holding, Dubai Sports Council, The Westin Dubai Mina
Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, ARN and DMI, TNT, Fitness First, Men's
Fitness, Vittel Water, RTA, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Emergency
Services, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will take to the streets of
Dubai at 6.30am on January 22.
Although entries for the 10km have now closed, organisers are allowing late
entrants for the marathon and 3km Fun Run to register online only up until
January 12 at www.dubaimarathon.org.
HAILE'S FAB FIVE VENUES
Dubai - "I've only raced in Dubai twice but it is one of my
favourite events, no question. It's close to where I live and train so
travelling isn't a problem. The weather is usually fantastic when we race
and the hospitality is incredible. But it is also a very good course and I
am amazed the organisers can still put together a great route despite all
the changes taking place in the city
Berlin - "Berlin is a great city and I have won four in a row and
broken the world record there so naturally it is one of my favourites."
London - "Hopefully I can go there in 2012 and do something special
in the Olympics."
Addis Ababa - "I have to say Ethiopia as it is my home country and
the Great Ethiopian Run in November means a great deal to me."
Fukuoka - "I won the marathon there in 2006 and enjoyed the spirit
and hospitality of the venue. It's a place I'd certainly like to go back
to."
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