Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin (© Florian Batschi / Bytepark)
The first athlete who surpassed 20km in a One Hour track race was the legendary Czech Emil Zatopek back in 1951, so it is appropriate that another attempt will be held in the Czech Republic.
Another running legend Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia feels in the shape and will make his second career attempt at the World record when he runs at 46th Golden Spike, a Grand Prix status meeting as part of the IAAF World Athletics Tour 2007, in Ostrava, Czech Republic on 27 June.
The Emil Zatopek Memorial race will be the 5000m, with the One Hour assault being held in the pre-programme and provisionally scheduled for 18.20-19.20hrs.
Gebrselassie has already had one try at the event in Hengelo in 2002, but due to cramps was forced to stop after 39 minutes when ahead of World record pace. He also can during the race break the World 20,000m record on the way.
Both current World records were set by Mexican Arturo Barrios in La Fléche, France, on 30 March 1991 - 56:55.6 at 20,000m and 21,101km for the One Hour.
"I was very happy to hear that the organisation of "Golden Spike" were able to put the One Hour Run on the programme,” confirmed the former two-time Olympic and four-time World 10,000m champion.
“I very much enjoyed running on the track again in the 10,000m three weeks ago (26:52.81 – 26 May in Hengelo) and my shape was even better than I thought. It will be an honour for me to try to break the World record in this country after Emil Zatopek broke the record twice in 1951.”
Alfons Juck for the IAAF
