Well, I suspect this will be remembered for the race in which Haile went within 27 seconds of earning a cool million dollars - although he did get a quarter million for first prize which should prove some consolation. He apparently had entrusted his pacemaker to run a 62.30 half way pace but despite telling him 5 times to slow down he went through in 61.15, a big difference and too much too soon.
The wind on the way back got up a bit and was quite hard work, also the last hour was a bit hot but probably less than in recent years and at the end of the day what do you expect for the Middle East? I enjoyed the run and came home in 3 56-odd although the official website seems to have been down since I got home (flew same evening which wasn't very clever on reflection) so can't confirm exact details or see when photos are out.
Great to catch up with Slow Duck at about 22kms and stayed close by for around 10kms before I flagged - SD I suspect you were close to 3 50 if you held that pace? Thanks for saying Hi.
Undoubted highlight was seeing Gersellassie at the beginning, beaming and smiling at various fans as he warmed up, and then sure enough in full flight on the home straight on Jumeirah Beach as we plodded on the upward leg - truly awesome speed and balance (no, him, not me...)
An enjoyable race, certainly flat and pretty good conditions although a but monotonous with a straight out and back making up over 30kms of the 42. Good sized and friendly field, decent medal and some short queues for a massage at the end which was great - laid out in the sunshine having my quads pummelled was quite a treat.
Saddler I missed you unless your shirt was a Foska cross of St George with a lion on it? How did you get on?
