NJR: World Record Holder Pulls Out Of Beijing Marathon Because Of Pollution

[Mulboyne]

BBC: Gebrselassie opts out of marathon

Haile Gebrselassie says he will not run in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of the city's air pollution levels, reports Reuters. The marathon world record holder suffers from asthma and missed the 2007 London Marathon because of the problem. The Ethiopian will now run at the shorter distance of 10,000m in Beijing. "The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km in my current condition," said Gebrselassie, 34. "But I am not pulling out of the Olympic event in Beijing all together. I plan to participate in the 10,000 m event." The International Olympic Committee has voiced concerns over the issue of air pollution in Beijing.