Will Geb lay waste to M40 world track records? Or stick to roads?
Geb (no introduction necessary) turned 40 in April, and immediately declared he was targeting M40 world records — not specifying which distances on the track or road. But in July, he tweeted plans to run for Ethiopia’s Parliament in 2015. So who knows which race will get his most attention? In any case, he won a big race in Scotland over the weekend, and appears in incredible shape. As Runner’s World reported in late May: “On May 19, in the Grand Prix von Bern in Switzerland, Gebrselassie covered 10 miles in 46:59, shattering Jackson Kipngok’s previous masters best of 47:26, set in 2003. This past Sunday, Gebrselassie was third overall in the Bupa Great Manchester Run, a 10-K in England, in 28:00. That performance demolished the existing world masters 10-K road standard of 28:51, set in 2003 by Portugal’s Paulo Catarino.” I’m not interest in road records, but will he tackle the track? Further, will he lower himself to run in a masters meet? My experience is he’ll say: “No way, Jose. Show me the money.” Say you?

Geb can lower any number of middle- and long-distance M40 records at will, but may expect a pay day.
Leave a Reply