Legendary long distance runner Bekele wants to defeat Mo Farah in marathon

Ethiopian athlete Kenenisa Bekele at the finishing point as a 25K Elite Men-overall winner during 1st International and 4th edition 25K run in Kolkata on Sunday.

Kolkata, Dec 17: Kenenisa Bekele is already a legend as he holds the world record as well as Olympics record in 5,000 and 10,000 meters marathon run.

The 35-year-old Ethiopian long-distance runner won gold medals in 2008 Bejing Olympics and he also won gold in 10,000 meters in 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

In the World Championship in Berlin, last year, Bekele also won the gold medal in the marathon.

Bekele was in Kolkata to participate and emerge as a winner in Elite Men-overall category during 1st International and 4th edition 25K run in Kolkata.

Speaking to reporters, he revealed his desire, i.e. beating another legendary long-distance runner Mo Farah. He had once beaten Farah in the Great North Run in England four years ago.

Bekele said, “But it was half-marathon and after I started suffering from injuries consistently Farah became powerful in 10,000 and in 5000 meters events. But now, after Berlin World Championship I am again coming to complete recovery from injuries. Now I am waiting for him to compete in these two long distance events. I hope there will be a good fight between us, people will enjoy it. He is also a great long-distance runner.”

But along with setting the goal of beating Farah, Bekele has also set another target of winning a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He will reach 38 years by then.

Talking about his preparations, Bekele seemed optimistic.

He added, “I want to take part in the marathon at Tokyo Olympics. I know it is not going to be an easy affair. There are a lot of junior marathon runners coming up who have potential. I will have to compete with them. I must have to take my fitness level to an extraordinary height. I will resume extensive training from next year.”

Bekele after the first trip to India and Kolkata was happy to have watched enthusiasm over long-distance running.

He concluded, “I had heard that Kolkata is called 'City of Joy' and after staying here for the last two days, I realized it is true. I hope quality long-distance runners from this city will also come up soon.”