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Gebrselassie sets sights on Berlin, world-record

Posted June 14th, 2007 at 12:42 PM by Jessica Galvano

Section: News & Results, Marathons

After running 2:05:56 to clinch a first-place finish at the Berlin Marathon last year, Haile Gebrselassie will return to this year’s field and attempt another winning performance. No doubt intending to defend his title, the Ethiopian marathoner has his sights set on something more: a world record. While Gebrselassie currently holds the title of Berlin champion, the title of world champion has managed to escape him by mere seconds.

As the site of Gebrselassie’s personal best, Berlin has produced some of the marathons fastest finishes, most notable among them Paul Tergat’s world record 2:04:55 in 2003. Despite many attempts at the record, Tergat’s time—at least for now—remains unbeatable. This year however, Gebrselassie hopes to end the Kenyan’s four-year run as world record holder.

With a history of excellence on the track including two Olympic golds in the 10000m, Gebrselassie’s 2004 decision to end his celebrated track career came as a shock to many of his fans. Though no longer a presence on the track (despite a recent appearance in the 10000m in Hengelo), Gebrselassie has proven his versatility as a distance runner and is now renowned for his 26.2. While missed on the track, the Ethiopian is welcome competition on the road, especially in the marathon. The 2:05:56 finish at Berlin in 2006 gives Gebrselassie the distinction of being one of only five men to run a sub-2:06 marathon and leaves no doubt that he is an international-caliber runner at any distance.

Part of the World Marathon Majors series along with Boston, Chicago, London, and New York, the Berlin Marathon never fails to attract runners from all over the world. This year’s marathon, scheduled for September 30 is no exception; with the number of registered runners already nearing the 40,000 limit, Berlin expects its largest-ever field. As defending champion, Gebrselassie is the anticipated pacesetter of the upcoming 34th Berlin Marathon.

In an appearance in the London Marathon in April, Gebrselassie was unable to finish due to the unexpectedly warm conditions and alleged breathing difficulties. In spite of a disappointing outing in London, the Ethiopian distance icon insists that he is more than prepared for success this September. For Gebrselassie, a return to Berlin recalls the reassuring memory of his personal best as well as provides a flat, fast course for a potential new world record finish.

Research sources and for more inforamtion: [IAAF - 1], [IAAF - 2], [SCC-Events], [World Marathon Majors]