Haile Gebrselassie wins the 2008 Dubai Marathon (© c)
Haile Gebrselassie who sensationally improved his marathon World record last weekend in Berlin with the first ever sub 2:04 clocking in history race will race in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on 16 January 2009, with a $1 Million bonus for a further improvement of the global mark his ultimate target.
Gebrselassie, 35 won the 2008 Dubai race, but started much too fast, and eventually ran 2:04:53, then second only to his world record 2:04:26 in Berlin 2007. The tiny Ethiopian returned to Berlin last Sunday, improving to 2:03:59, thus becoming the first sub-2.04 marathoner in history, and owner of the three fastest times in history.
The Ethiopian’s return to Dubai will now be even more eagerly anticipated. “I made a mistake with the pace in Dubai last time,” said Gebrselassie after his Berlin victory, “and I learned from that mistake.”
“Everything has to be perfect for another record, weather, pacemakers. I feel I can do 2:03 something. If I don’t get injured, maybe 2:02:59, but considering my shape and my age, 2:03:30, or 2:03:20.”
Not counting the World record bonus, the Dubai Marathon’s overall prize pot is already $1m, with $250,000 each going to the men’s and women’s winners.
Pat Butcher for the IAAF
