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Jun-2-2010
Gebrselassie To Make USA Marathon Debut In New York
by David Monti
(c) Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
NEW YORK (02-Jun) -- While about 1500 schoolchildren frolicked on the emerald infield of Ichan Stadium to celebrate National Running Day here, four-time world 10,000m champion Haile Gebrselassie told a group of reporters gathered in the press tribune that he planned to make his USA marathon debut at the ING New York City Marathon on November 7. The 37 year-old marathon world record holder explained that the timing was right this year to step back from making another marathon world record attempt --something that he plans to take up again in the future-- and try to capture a title in a big championship-style race.
"Winning New York is like to win the Olympics," said Gebrselassie who has two Olympic 10,000m titles to his credit. "To win here is something
special."
It is no secret that New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg had wanted Gebrselassie for her race for several years, but Gebrselassie was focused on setting --then lowering-- the marathon world record in Berlin in 2007 (2:04:26) and 2008 (2:03:59). After Wittenberg sent an emissary to hold preliminary negotiations with Gebrselassie's management team in London last April, Wittenberg flew to Ethiopia to woo Gebrselassie personally at a pre-opening of his new lakefront resort in Hawassa last month. Wittenberg's personal touch apparently won the Ethiopian over.
"It's wonderful," Gebrselassie told Wittenberg today of his decision. "I missed this marathon for many years, and it is a big chance this year."
Gebrselassie made his marathon debut in London in 2002, running 2:06:35 and finishing third behind his longtime track rival Paul Tergat and marathon specialist Khalid Khannouchi, who set a world record. Since then he's run another 11 marathons, recording nine victories and breaking 2:07 a total of ten times. Gebrselassie hasn't lost a marathon since failing to finish in London in 2007. (He jogged with a friend the first ten miles of the Detroit Marathon in 2007, but most experts don't recognize that as a serious race effort.)
While here on what would be only a ten-hour visit, Gebrselassie got a look at a few segments of the point-to-point marathon course, including the climb up the Queensborough Bridge through 25-K, and the run up First Avenue through 30-K. He had already realized that he would need to approach the hilly course cautiously in order to get the win.
"If you run a steady pace, you can win the New York Marathon," he reasoned.
After flying home this evening, Gebrselassie will be conducting the grand opening of his resort --with 2000 guests-- this weekend. He then plans to move back into serious training during the summer, and the only competition he has planned prior to New York is a half-marathon in September in Newcastle, England. He said that such a tune-up race was essential to being successful in New York.
"Before I come to New York I have to check myself, especially my speed," he said. "Five weeks before New York, I plan to run the Great North Run, a half-marathon. If not that one, I'll find a half-marathon somewhere. Before a marathon, you have to check yourself."
Like everyday joggers who have to squeeze in their training around their regular work days, Gebrselassie also has to make time for training around his growing business commitments. By his count, he directly employs over 600 people, including those at the resort, a project he managed and financed himself.
"When you come to Ethiopia, don't forget to come to Haile Resort," Gebrselassie intoned. When a reporter asked for more information about the property, Gebrselassie replied: "You can Google."
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