This is the traditional time of year when bank managers in Addis Ababa greet
the world with a greater than usual air of optimism, as the Ethiopian team
departs for this weekend’s 32nd IAAF World Cross Country Championships,
Brussels, Belgium (20/21 March).
Ethiopia’s double-double World Cross Country champion Kenenisa Bekele
is arguably the greatest runner in the Championships’ history.
Financially he has reaped the benefit too as in the last three editions of the
event - thanks to his second place short course finish in 2001, and two short
and long race doubles in 2002 and 2003 - he has brought home an individual
prize money haul of US$135.000.