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Today, Ethiopian distance legend, Haile Gebrselassie won the Almeria 1/2 Marathon in Spain. In fair conditions (10 degrees celcius, cloudy, a bit windy), Gebrselassie ran 1.01.46, breaking the course record of 1.02.31 by 45 sec.

Succesfull operation

Gebrselassie, who had a succesfull operation just after the Olympic Games in Finland had a 1 minute and 7 seconds lead over Kenyan Alex Kirui, while Abraham Aiyabei (KEN) finished 3rd in 1.04.57.

Fitness test - I am back!

Gebrselassie confirmed that he ran an easy race, as he wanted to test his fitness level after the operation and first period of renewed intense training: "I am sure that I could had ran much faster, but there was no reason to do so. I am training well again and just needed to find some reference in regards to my shape. I started easy at 3.05 pace per km and ran the middle part a bit faster, before slowing down a bit at the last few kilometers.

I am satisfied. This race confirmed my feeling. I am back!"

Gebrselassie will fly to London this afternoon, to attend a press conference of the Flora London Marathon tomorrow.

Results

Almeria 1/2 Marathon (Spain):

1. Haile Gebrselassie (ETH) 1.01.46 (Course Record, former CR 1.02.31)

2. Alex Kirui (KEN) 1.02.53

3. Abraham Aiyabei (KEN) 1.04.57

Edgar de Veer