Dubai: Despite a huge turnout at the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, there was no doubt that the charismatic presence of the event's three-time winner Haile Gebrselassie was sorely missed.
The long distance legend from Ethiopia enjoys tremendous support in Dubai and his fans here made it clear that this year's edition was just not the same without him. "Of course I miss him, we love him," said Beza Taddese, one of his many devoted Ethiopian fans.
Eyrse Alem, who was draped in the Ethiopian colours said in broken English: "I feel very upset he's not there."
Expatriates of other nationalities felt the same. "He's been great for so many years," said Rachel Black who hails from the UK. "I've watched him in the last three years and we missed him because of the excitement there's always been as to whether he would break the record or not."
There was however a trace of optimism in their tone when told that the two-time Olympic champion could be back for next year's event as preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games. "He is strong. We hope to see him next year," said Taddese.
Black added: "We'll be back cheering for him then."
