Gebrselassie Breaks Marathon Record

Haile Gebrselassie returned to Berlin to set a new world record for the marathon a year after fading in the final miles in the German capital. Gebrselassie clocked a time of 2:04.26, 29 seconds faster than the previous best set by Kenya's Paul Tergat over the same course in 2003.

The Ethiopian was on target to break the record in Berlin 12 months ago, but faded in the closing stages and finished more than a minute outside Tergat's time. However, he has stepped up his training this year and was helped in Berlin by cool weather.

"I knew I could do it," said Gebraslassie. "Everything went well. I felt last year that I could make it in Berlin, but this was perfect. The weather was great - a bit windy - but I still made it and it's a dream come true."

Abel Kirui finished second in 2:06.52, with his fellow Kenyan Salim Kipsang third in 2:07.29. In the women's race, Gete Wami, also from Ethiopia, defended her title in 2:23.17.