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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, June 1, 2009

Track: Gebrselassie fails to better 1-hour world record


Associated Press

HENGELO, Netherlands — Haile Gebrselassie fell short of his own one-hour world record Monday, running 463 meters behind his previous best.

Gebrselassie ran 12.77 miles — 21,285 meters to be exact — in an hour at the IAAF Grand Prix Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic two years ago.
The 36-year-old Ethiopian — who has set 25 world records in his career — was hampered by strong winds and a 10-minute rain spell during Monday’s record attempt at the FBK Games.
“It’s a strange day today,” Gebrselassie said. “It’s a sunny day so I didn’t expect the rain. I really wanted to break the record for the people.”
Gebrselassie, who broke four world records at previous Hengelo meets, said he intends to run the marathon at the 2012 London Olympics.
Olympic silver medalist Asbel Kiprop of Kenya easily claimed the 1,500 meters, winning in 3 minutes, 34.45 seconds after double Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia pulled out halfway through the race, appearing to struggle with an injury.
Another Ethiopian, Deresse Mekonnen, finished second in 3:34.85.
Netherlands Antilles sprinter Churandy Martina won the men’s 100 in 9.97 ahead of Monzavous Rae Edwards of the United States and Simeon Williamson of Britain.
LaVerne Jones of the U.S. Virgin Islands won the women’s 100 in 11.13 seconds, while Stephanie Durst of the United States finished second and Chandra Sturrup of the Bahamas was third.
Olympic 400-meter champion Christine Ohuruogu of Britain placed second in the women’s 200, losing to Jones, who won in 22.46. Joice Maduaka, also of Britain, finished third.