TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

TFS to Expand Writing Staff and Internship Program

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, an aspiring journalist, or even just a knowledgeable fan looking for a profitable hobby, we want to hear from you! Click here to apply today!

Bekele to run World Cross Champs after all

Posted March 7th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Kenenisa Bekele will have an opportunity to win his 11th individual senior title at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya, on March 25, the IAAF reported today. Bekele, who had previously said many times that he would not contest these championships, has been added to the Ethiopian team, along with Gelete Burka on the women’s squad.

Bekele’s addition to the team lifts the fortunes of the Ethiopian squad to take back the team long-course gold they had won in 2005 in St. Galmier, France.

That year, Bekele led an Ethiopian route of the Kenyans, 24 points to 35 points. However, despite placing Bekele and his teammate Sileshi Sihine on the top two steps of the podium in Fukuoka last year, the Kenyans showed better depth to take the men’s 12-K senior title with 24 points, with Eritrea further upsetting the Ethoipians to take the silver medal.

The addition of Bekele to the meet is also good news for the Kenyan organizers who will surely receive more media attention with the 10,000m world record holder entered in the competition.