Great Ethiopian Run (GER) - G. Dibaba the favorite in women’s race

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G. Dibaba the favorite in women’s race –GREAT ETHIOPIAN RUN PREVIEW

19 November 2009- Two-time world junior cross country champion Genzebe Dibaba is the overwhelming favorite to win the women’s race at the Ethiopian Airlines 2009 Great Ethiopian Run.

After dominating her youth and junior years with two junior victories at the world cross country championships in Edinburgh and Amman and an African junior 5000m title in Bambous, Mauritius, the 18-year old made a smooth transition to senior level with a respectable ninth over the 5000m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

But Genzebe, who is the young sister of double Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion Tirunesh Dibaba, is untested over the roads with her previous appearance coming for the Muger Cement team in the 2007 Ethiopian Marathon Relay Championships in Awassa.

Her main rival for the title is expected to be track runner Ahaza Kiros, who will bring huge scores to settle to this year’s race. The 2007 world championship 10,000m finalist looked in control of the contest in the closing stages of the 2006 women’s race before Genet Getaneh outpaced her in the final stride to take victory. Victory in this year’s race could somehow make up for that disappointment.

Like the men’s race, both Dibaba and Kiros will have plenty of opposition both from the track and road running hoping to spoil their victory party. In the absence of the top three from last year’s race, youngster Genet Yalew, who finished second in the Sendafa cross country meeting last Sunday; steeplechasers Sofia Assefa and Netsanet Achamo, who have competed in the 2008 Olympics and 2007 world championships respectively; Frehiwot Goshu, who finished fourth over the 1500m at the national championships in May 2009; and former national 800m/1500m champion Berhane Hirpassa lead the best of the track contingent.

Two-time Scotiabank Toronto Marathon champion Mulu Seboka is the top pick among road runners hoping to use the race as a speed test for longer events. Werkitu Ayanu, who finished 16th in the world half marathon championships; and Meaza Hailemariam, 11th in the Dubai Marathon earlier this year; are also hopeful of a top-ten finish.

Kenyan Valentine Kipketer is the only non-Ethiopian elite entered for this year’s race.

Following double triumphs by Genet Getaneh (2005 and 2006) and Wude Ayalew (2007 and 2008), there will be a new name on top of the victory. That is because none of the race’s previous winners are competing in this year’s edition.

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