Tokyo Marathon, first test for Haile Gebrselassie since New York debacle

Tokyo, Japan – Ethiopian long distance legend and world marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie will run the Tokyo Marathon here on February 27, 2011.

This marks the first major appearance since Haile shocked the world by first announcing and then changing his mind about retiring from running after he failed to finish the New York City Marathon due to knee injury.

The 37-year-old world holds the world record for the marathon (2:03.59), which he sets at the Berlin Marathon in 2008.

Haile will face stiff competition from Felix Limo of Kenya, who has a personal best of 2:06:14 and fellow Ethiopian Yemane Tsegay of Ethiopia, whose best is 2:06:30 when he finished fourth in the 2009 Paris marathon.

Others include Kenya’s Paul Biwott (2:07.02), Salim Kipsang (2:07.29) of Kenya and Hailu Mekonnen of Ethiopia (2:07.37).