He has not collected a paycheck for racing in two years.
I assume he would get a nice appearence fee here.
His endoresemnet money is likely keeping him going financially.
He could get the Olympic qualifier out of the way, although I assume he will get in a 10,000m race early next year.
Ehtiopia has to select three in the 10,000.
Merga, Shihine and Jeilan will each want to state their case to be on the team if they are faster than K Bekele.
Running this race will be a nice gauge for him to see where he is at race-wise going into his preperation for next year.
The streak is done. Nothing to protect there.
So there are reasons for him to show even if he is not in shape to win.