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So with the countdown begun to our annual trek to Dublin it's time to unveil our secret weapon for the National Marathon Championships, the one & only Haile Gebrselassie.

The winner of two Olympic Gold medals, four Worlds Outdoor & four Worlds Indoor Golds plus long time holder of the marathon distance world record, Haile has recently retired from elite competition & is looking for a new target. Athenry AC have been lucky enough to convince him that his next challenge lies in the West of Ireland.

Currently putting in the training miles out around Newcastle & Kiltullagh, Haile's inaugural outing for the club will be in the National Marathon Championships in Dublin in four weeks time followed up with the 14th edition of the clubs annual 'Fields of Athenry' 10k on St. Stephens day. Come the New Year he will be throwing an eye to the Cross Country where he has Mick Clohissey & Paul Pollock in his sights.

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Unfortunately, some of the above may be a complete fabrication of my imagination. A huge thanks to Galwegian Flower Zeleke for getting the photo op on her recent trip home to Ethiopia.