FLASH NEWS – FIFTY THOUSAND ‘FAIL-SAFE’ FOR FAST TIME IN DUBAI! Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2017

Kenenisa Bekele seemed inordinately confident at Wednesday’s press conference that he could break the world record in Friday morning’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

Firstly there is his pride in being a multi-medallist and world record holder, who has thus far in his career succeeded in everything he has attempted – except the marathon. That was something he underlined in response to questions yesterday.

Next, there is the considerable incentive of a $200,000 first prize, and a $250,000 bonus should he beat Kenyan Dennis Kimetto’s world mark of 2.02.57. There will be the inevitable pacemakers to help the Ethiopian along.

But Race Director Peter Connerton had added another incentive, in the shape of a $50,000 bonus for any of Bekele’s rivals (up to five men) who can get under a 2.04 finishing time. That way, he feels, Bekele will be pushed all the way. And of course, he can add the fifty grand to his pot if he wins.

“Of course, I’ve insured against a world record, but when I questioned the underwriters about adding this sub-2.04 bonus incentive, they went away and came back with what I thought was a reasonable additional fee. So I’ve gone for it”.

All that remains is for Bekele and his rivals to do the same – Go For It!

Pat Butcher