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Legend heads Great North Run field
THE world's greatest-ever distance runner will fulfil a promise by competing at the 30th Bupa Great North Run in September.
Before winning a second successive Olympic 10,000m title in 2000, Haile Gebrselassie had already committed himself to the half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields.
But the Ethiopian ripped his Achilles tendon, resulting in him being forced to withdraw from the race, where it was planned he would attack the the-then world record of 59 minutes 17 seconds.
Other commitments have prevented Gebrselassie taking part in the Tyneside Classic, but yesterday he announced he will be on the starting line on September 19.
He said: "This is a race I have always wanted to compete in, and I'm really looking forward to running as it has a worldwide reputation for not only the quality, but also the fantastic size of the field."
He added: "Brendan Foster and organisers Nova International helped me when we launched the Great Ethiopian Run, and now I've finally got the chance to take part in the Great North Run."
The 37-year-old is a former world half marathon champion and record holder with a fastest time of 58min 55sec.
Foster, the founder of the Great North Run, is thrilled that Gebrselassie, who has set 27 world records, will finally race over the famous Newcastle to South Shields course.
He said: "It's a dream come true to have Haile in the race. Yes, we've had to be patient over the years, but I'm delighted.
"We've enjoyed seeing many of the best long-distance runners from around the world compete here, and now we've got the greatest of all-time.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
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