Gebrselassie set to compete in Boston

Gebrselassie, who holds the world records in the 5,000 (12 minutes 39.36 seconds) and 10,000 meters (26:22.75) and the 10-kilometer mark (27:02) on the roads, is regarded as the best all-around distance runner ever. Besides Olympic gold medals in the 10,000 in both 1996 and 2000, Gebrselassie also has won four world outdoor titles in the 10,000, three world indoor crowns at 3,000 meters, and one at 1,500 meters, plus the 2001 world half-marathon championship. In his elite marathon debut, he posted a 2:06:35 in the 2002 London race, the 16th-fastest of all time.

Gebrselassie, who placed second to countryman Kenenisa Bekele in the 10,000 at last summer's world outdoor meet in Paris, will run the 3,000 in the ninth annual Boston Games, to be held Jan. 31 at the Reggie Lewis Center.

"I have good memories of running in the US," said the 30-year-old Gebrselassie, who will be competing in America for the first time in eight years and the third time in his career. "The last time I ran there was in Atlanta, and I hope to be as successful this time."

His last appearance here, as an 18-year-old in 1992, was in the junior world cross-country championships at Franklin Park, where Gebrselassie finished second to Ismael Kirui on a snow-covered course. "I am happy to be running indoors this time," he said.

The Boston Games, the opening meet on USA Track & Field's indoor Golden Spike Tour, will include 13 men's and women's events. Besides Gebrselassie, top names include two-time world shot put champion John Godina, world indoor 800 champion David Krummenacker, and teenage sprinter Allyson Felix.

Purchase tickets for the meet, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN2, at www.BostonIndoorGames.com or by calling 617-536-7030.