November 8th, 2010

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Acknowledges Gebrselassie As “Simply The Best”

2010 Dubai Win Was Geb’s Final Marathon Victory In A Chequered Career

Dubai (UAE): He may have hung up his running shoes but Haile Gebrselassie will always be welcome at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon according to event director Peter Connerton.

Gebrselassie, who announced his retirement after failing to complete the New York Marathon, has an unblemished record in the Dubai race having won on each of his appearances in 2008, 2009 and 2010. And Connerton was quick to praise the man widely recognized as the greatest distance runner of all time.

“While I was sad to hear that Haile has decided to stop competitive running he leaves behind an amazing legacy and I am proud his final marathon victory was here in Dubai just ten months ago” said Connerton during a break in preparations for the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon to be held on January 21.

“While his Olympic gold medals and world records speak for themselves, he also played a major part in raising the profile of our event. On his first appearance, he set what was at the time the second fastest time in history, while in 2009 he defied the rain to finish in the eighth quickest time ever.

“He retires holding three of the top six best Marathon times in history and on behalf of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon I wish him every health and happiness in his retirement. He can certainly come back and visit us any time.”

With the 37 year-old deciding to call it a day, there will no be no fourth straight appearance from the Little Emperor in Dubai in two months time.

“Of course, we would have loved to have seen Haile back again on the streets of Dubai – he was simply the best,” added Connerton. “But that’s now not an option and we are currently in discussions with other world class distance runners who all want to tackle a course considered by many to be the flattest on the Marathon calendar.”

Last year, Gebrselassie named the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon among his five favourite Marathons and the event holds wonderful memories for the Ethiopian superstar.

With times of 2h:04m:53s (2008), 2h:05:29s (2009) and 2h:06m:09s (2010), Gebrselassie won on each of his three attempts at the classic distance in Dubai. On each occasion, thousands of fans turned up to see the running legend but few would have guessed when Gebrselassie collected his 2010 trophy from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, it would be the last time he would taste marathon success.

“Haile has achieved it all and we are proud and honoured to have played a part in his incredible success story,” said Connerton. “Dubai is lucky to have seen him in action and anyone who saw him cross the finish line in January will treasure the moment they witnessed Haile winning his last ever Marathon.”

“To have the world record holder Haile Gebrselassie win our event for the third straight year is a great honour,” said Standard Chartered Bank Regional CEO Middle East and North Africa Shayne Nelson. “ He didn’t manage to break the world record but he still proved he is a magnificent champion and we look forward to having him compete in Dubai for many years to come.”

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by Dubai Holding, Dubai Sports Council, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, ARN and DMI, TNT, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B, Vittel Water, RTA, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Emergency Services.