Ethiopian long distance great to challenge for a sixth victory over the 10km course and then return to the start to run it again as part of the mass field

Haile Gebrselassie is set to double up at the Morrisons Great Manchester Run on May 10 and race in the elite event before covering the 10km course again as a part of the mass field.

The Ethiopian long distance great will look to challenge for a sixth Great Manchester Run victory and then return to the start to run the course for a second time to to enjoy the unique atmosphere among the 40,000-strong field.

“Manchester is one of my favourite cities in the world to race in,” said Gebrselassie. “The atmosphere, the people and the organisation are all fantastic.

“This time after I have competed in the elite race I am going to jog round the 10km again with another wave of runners.

“It will be a unique experience for me and I look forward to meeting some of those who have cheered me on before!”

Gebrselassie’s record five Great Manchester Run victories were secured in 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. He finished third in 2013 and will this year have the likes of American Bernard Lagat for competition.

The five-time world track gold medallist is set to attack Gebrselassie’s world over-40 10km record of 28:00 when he makes his road race debut over the distance.

“It is not going to be easy,” said Lagat. “But it is good to have something to shoot at.

“It is a really quick time. It shows how great Haile has been for so long. It will be an honour for me to run in the same race with him.

“I m really excited about it. It s one of the reasons I wanted to run in the Morrisons Great Manchester Run.”

Among those contesting the elite women’s race will be European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey who will have her eye on completing a Great Manchester Run hat-trick.

See www.greatrun.org/manchester

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