Haile Gebrselassie running in the 2009 BUPA Great Manchester Run (10km) (© Getty Images)
Haile Gebrselassie will chase a third victory when returning to compete over one of his favourite courses at the Bupa Great Manchester Run – IAAF Gold Label Road Race - on 16 May 2010.
On his first appearance in 2005, the Ethiopian legend set what was then a new UK All-Comers's record of 27:25, while last year he was slowed by weather conditions.
Gebrselassie, aiming for Micah Kogo's World record of 27:01 was on schedule at the halfway point to attain his target at the head of the massive 33,000 field. But his plans, after blasting through the first 5km in 13:31sec, were blown away when facing a very strong headwind on the return to the city centre finish line.
"I have always stressed how important it is to have perfect weather conditions in record attempts - last year I was in perfect shape to do so but the wind made it an impossible task," Gebrselassie said after clocking 27:39.
The multiple World record breaker, added: "I will of course come to Manchester again open minded about what I can achieve - I never say 'yes' or 'no' about what times I can run. But Manchester is a very fast course and one which I like very much and obviously I want to produce something special when trying for a third win."
The event, one of only three 10km races in the world to hold the IAAF Gold Label status, has already achieved a sell out entry of 36,000 runners.
"We are also delighted to announce that for the first time BBC television will be broadcasting the meeting live," said David Hart, Communications Director for the organisers.
Nicola Hedley (organisers) for the IAAF