Ethiopian long distance great says returning to Glasgow to run the 10km will be “quite an emotional day”

Following his announcement earlier this year that he would be retiring from competitive running, Haile Gebrselassie is set to bid farewell to racing at the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run on October 4.

The Ethiopian long distance great set numerous world records during a career which also saw him claim two Olympic and four world gold medals over 10,000m as well as four world indoor titles and a world half-marathon gold. His road running career also saw him become the first to go sub-2:04 for the marathon when he ran 2:03:59 in Berlin in 2008, a time that still places him fifth on the all-time list for 26.2 miles.

The 42-year-old, who is due to run the 10km in Glasgow next month, returns to an event at which he won the half-marathon race in 2013.

“I love the city of Glasgow and the atmosphere in the city,” said Gebrselassie. “It will be quite an emotional day for me as I say farewell to competitive running.

“Returning to this year s event is a great opportunity for me to say thank you to the people of Glasgow by running the 10km.”

After taking on the 10km, Gebrselassie is expected to assist with honorary starting duties for the half-marathon, which will be televised live on BBC 2.

Both events remain open for entries, with further details available at www.greatscottishrun.com.

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