By Oscar Pilipili

Marathon world recorder holder Haile Gebreselassie says the world record he set during the 2008 Berlin Marathon will remain intact for long.

Gebrselassie’s time he set at the flat Berlin course stands at 2:03.59.

"I knew no one would break the record during the London Marathon last Sunday, not with the bumpy conditions of the course," Gebrselassie said.

The Ethiopian legend, who is G4S 4teen Global Ambassador was speaking at Nyayo National Stadium when he trained together with budding runner Pauline Korikwiang.

Korikwiang is a member of G4S 4teen Programme, an international team of young athletes that Gebrselassie mentors.

Ethiopia’s athletics legend, Haile Gebrselassie (front) and Kenya’s Pauline Korikwiang (right) jog at the Nyayo National Stadium, on Monday. Photo: David Ndolo/Standard

"A record can’t just be broken at any time. For one to break a record he must have everything perfect if he must be lucky," he said.

Gebrselassie predicted that Kenyan and Ethiopian runners would dominate marathon for a longer period to come.

"If the world record is to be broken then it would be done so by either an Ethiopian or a Kenyan runner," he said confidently.

"I understand Wanjiru’s (Samuel) style of running and I knew not even him could lower the world record at London Marathon," he maintained.

Wanjiru, who is the reigning Olympics champion, did not finish the London Marathon.

The Ethiopian ace said he intends to have a shot at the elusive time possibly this year.

Next generation

"Before them (other athletes) I will try one more time if I can break my own record," he said.

Gebrselassie predicted that it would take between 20-25 years for runners to manage a sub two-minute time in marathon.

"Athletes can run under-two minutes but this will be achieved by the next generation of runners," he said.

The legend said technology would play a key role in runners managing a sub-two-minutes time.

"Not only athletes are responsible for new times, but technology which includes the type of shoes we wear, the food we consume and training," he said.

At the same time, Gebrselassie has advised Kenyan and Ethiopian runners to exploit other areas of athletics since their prowess in long distance races is unquestionable.