GEBRSELASSIE OPENS NEW RESORT
By David Monti
(c) 2010 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
May 3, 2010
Haile Gebreselassie added another chapter to his career by playing host
to a gathering of athletics luminaries, including his close friend and
greatest rival Paul Tergat, to mark the opening of his resort hotel on
the shores of Lake Hawassa about four hours drive south of the
Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa over the weekend (see http://www.haileresort.com).
Others attending the festivities were Ethiopian Olympic medallists
Tirunesh Dibaba and her husband Sileshi Sihine, AIMS measurement chief
Hugh Jones, and New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
The centerpiece of the weekend was The Every One Race in Hawassa, a
full morning of road races starting outside the doors of his luxurious
hotel that bears the name "Haile Resort" on Sunday featuring a
half-marathon, two 7-k men's and women's elite, kids races and a mass
participation 7-K. Runners came from near and far for the races
including Kati Bakirtzi, a New York Road Runners member who made the
trip with her sister from Athens just for the races.
"It is absolutely special being here," Bakirtzi told the New York Road
Runners' Richard Finn who was also in attendance. "Knowing where Haile
came from and what he has made himself into, is really special."
The hotel, which took three years and millions to build, features a
panoramic entrance overlooking Lake Hawassa, a pool, spas for both men
and women (the one for women bearing the name of one of Gebrselassie's
daughters Eden) and a full fitness room. Finishing touches are still
being applied, and plans include to add tennis courts and an outdoor
track.
Gebrselassie was the proud host throughout the weekend, shaking hands,
posing for pictures (always his with famous smile) and looking after
all of the last minute details.
"Words can’t express my awe of Haile," said Wittenberg who skipped the
London Marathon but made time to get to the opening. "The man is
relentless, cheerful and patient with fans and friends, while at the
same drive to succeed and impatient with any effort less than the best."
Gebrselassie had a simple measuring stick for success on the weekend.
"If people are happy that's the most important thing I need to hear,"
said Gebrselassie, who has not yet announced where he will run his next
marathon.
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