Press Release - Dubai Marathon - 1/19/17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubai, Thursday, January 19, 1515gmt

            FIFTY THOUSAND 'FAIL-SAFE' FOR FAST TIME IN DUBAI!

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!

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