Gebrselassie determined to find perfect pace as he looks to set new best time in Dubai Haile Gebrselassie is hoping to learn from last year's mistakes to run his way once again into the record books and make himself $1 million richer. Such is the Ethiopian pace ace's reputation that many believe him incapable of running anything other than the perfect race. A total of 26 world records, the latest of which was his 2hrs, 3mins 59secs marathon world record in Berlin last September, shows that when it comes to pounding the world's streets there is simply no one better. But Gebrselassie's world record bid in last year's Dubai Marathon fell agonisingly short due to overeager pacemakers who set off too quickly even for the sporting legend. The 35-year-old may have finished in 2hrs, 4mins 53 secs, then the second-fastest time in history. But such was the speed in the early stages that he later claimed he was close to dropping out. However, Gebrselassie is confident he has it all worked out this time for the world's richest marathon. "They (the pacemakers) will not make the same mistake again," Gebrselassie told 7DAYS. "Last year the early pace was too fast," he added. "So this year we have to run at a steady pace at the start. "Let's hope it's not too fast too soon." And he has in mind the perfect pace he needs to find to run the quickest time in history and pick up the $1 million cheque on offer for breaking the world record. "I want to run close to 62 minutes for the first half but not above 62 minutes," Gebrselassie revealed. "If I run 61mins 40-45secs it will be good - that's what I am hoping for." Being one of the greatest athletes ever the 'Ethiopian Emperor' needs few favours. But the route and weather could combine to propel Gebrselassie round the 42.195km distance in under the magical 2hrs, 3mins 59secs mark. The route from the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi along Jumeirah Beach Road and back is the flattest and straightest in marathon history. And if the perfect winter climate isn't gatecrashed by too strong a wind then Gebrselassie could have all he needs to enter the history books, when he begins at 6.30am. "I hope we are ready to run fast. We are close to something special. Who knows, we shall see on Friday it's (breaking the world record) definitely possible. "Preparations have gone very well but to run a world record everything must be perfect. "But I love it here. You have perfect weather for the marathon - you don't have winter here!" As many as 14 athletes, who have run below 2hrs, 10mins, will be running alongside the Ethiopian so the field is very strong. But rather than worry about one of them creating an upset and pipping him to the finishing post Gebrselassie feels they could help his record bid. "Having good runners around you will hopefully make the time faster," he said. RUN TO BEAT THE CRUNCH BARAK OBAMA and Gordon Brown should listen to Haile Gebrselassie as the marathon world record holder believes he has the cure to the dreaded credit crunch - running. While the Ethiopian doesn't claim to have come up with a financial plan to save the world, he does believe that a good jog can relieve everyone of their current stress. He said: "I am a businessman as well as a runner and so know all about the financial troubles. But I avoid all the stress and problems by running. "After a good run I feel fresh - everyone should run or do some exercise for 30 minutes a day." Gebrselassie revealed his financial blow-busting belief at an exclusive adidas workshop, which was the culmination of the Inside Running Dubai. Running enthusiasts were given an insight into the Ethiopian's regime and just what it takes to run super-humanly fast over 42.195kms. Here are Haile's tips to help even the most reluctant runner take to the track: - You need to have motivation, I always run to beat my personal beat. - You must always stretch thoroughly - if you don't then you are going to have problems after 15-20kms. - Get the right gear, everything from what top you are wearing to your trainers all count to your enjoyment of the run. - If you are running in a race then your training must be geared to that. You have to be at your peak when you are on the start line. - The big problem is not the actual running but getting started and getting out of bed - even I sometimes look outside and think I'd prefer to stay in bed. Once you have beaten that urge you have won half the battle.
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