Bekele Feeling In Good Shape Ahead Of Manchester
Coverage of the Great Manchester Run is on BBC Two from 11am on Sunday with highlights showing from 6pm
KENENISA BEKELE will be planning to make up for the disappointment of missing out on selection for the Rio Olympics by putting in a strong performance in Manchester this weekend.
Bekele is the world's greatest endurance runner, holding the 5,000m and 10,000m world records, with three Olympic gold medals to his name, and five World Championship golds.
The Ethiopian made a move into the marathon distance in 2014, winning the Paris Marathon that year, but has suffered a succession of injuries and, despite a third-place finish in the London Marathon in April, the 33-year-old has only been named as a reserve for the Ethiopian marathon team for Rio.
Bekele's achievements in the capital were all the more impressive as he had only completed six weeks of specific marathon training, after an Achilles injury that was only 90% healed.
However, the 2014 Great Manchester Run winner feels in good enough shape to challenge for honours in the North West on Sunday as he uses the event to continue his rehabilitation.
“It's a really short time after the marathon, I'm still recovering from that, but it's okay – not perfect, but okay,” said Bekele.
“I want to do the marathon in Rio, I want to fight for a medal, it's not easy but I always want to be the best.”
Bekele, who took on Mo Farah and Haile Gebrselassie in the 2013 Great North Run and won in what was billed as the greatest road race of all-time, paid tribute to the spectators in the UK ahead of Europe's biggest 10k event, with 35,000 expected to take part in the mass participation run.
“I like running here in Manchester,” he said. “People are always very supportive. There's a big crowd. In the UK I've found people are motivated for the sport and are always encouraging.
“I'm happy that I'm here. It's a great country and I want to thank everyone who is motivating athletics. It's really fantastic to run here, with such great people and a great crowd.”
Coverage of the Great Manchester Run is on BBC Two from 11am on Sunday with highlights showing from 6pm
Related Articles
1/11
What to Expect at this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run
The AJ Bell Great South Run weekend is back for another spectacular celebration of running.
Top British Athletes to Battle it Out at the AJ Bell Great South Run
The stage is set for another thrilling race at the AJ Bell Great South Run with a high calibre British field assembled once again for the iconic 10-mile event.
Power of Running: Phil Pollard
At 82 years and six months, Phil Pollard, from Alverstoke, Hampshire, is still passionate about running.
Power of Running: Stephen Hore
Stephen Hore, 41, from Southbourne/Emsworth, is gearing up to run the Great South Run for the first time this year,
Power of Running: Michelle Stone
Michelle Stone, soon to be 47, will be celebrating her birthday in a special way this year – by taking part in the Great South Run.
Power of Running: Gerard Beauvoisin
At 64 years old, Gerard Beauvoisin, from North End, Portsmouth, has been running for nearly four decades.
Team Kerr Takes on AJ Bell Great South Run
Team Kerr, from County Down, Northern Ireland, is taking on the AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 20 October.
Hoyle Family Takes on Junior & Mini Challenge
The Hoyle family is excited to participate in this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run.
Runners, Ready? Gladiators to Host Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
Runners, ready? It’s official, stars of the BBC’s Gladiators, Sabre & Apollo, will be joining the fun this Saturday 5 October.
Official Starters Confirmed for AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Scotland Internationalists and Glasgow Warriors teammates Duncan Weir & Kyle Steyn will ring the official start bell at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.
NF1 Super Warriors Conall and Kayden’s Race to Race Awareness
It’s a full weekend of running at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run for Mum Kirsty and sons Conall 8 and Kayden 4.
