Long-distance great Gebrselassie retires from competitive running

Nov 27, 2015 Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, who is considered as one of athletics’ greatest distance runners, recently retired from competitive running after taking part in the 15th edition of the Great Ethiopian Run.

Gebrselassie, who fired the starter’s pistol before joining in with the masses to race, said he was sad to be competing for the last time.

“Especially here in Ethiopia, this one is going to be the last one. I am a little bit, you know, sad. What can I do? It is over 28 years of running. This will be the last one here in Ethiopia,”

After crossing the finish line, the two-time Olympic and eight-time world champion thanked his family and the people of Ethiopia for their support throughout his 28 year-long a career.

“I would like to say thank you to all the people who supported me the last 28 years, especially my wife and children and people of Ethiopia and all,”

Hailu Yirug, an Ethiopian runner said:

“Haile has been an inspiration for all the young Ethiopian athletes. I don’t feel bad because he has made many replacements. He has served enough and It is a process. It is okay because he has been a cause for many many young athletes we see today.”