After recent talks within the GSC and with his coach, Bekele has a clearer vision now about his 2020 season and his last running ambitions before retiring on a high in fall 2020 or early 2021 to pursue his business career!
Dubai Marathon 2020 - Unlikely
- Probably the fastest course in the world and would give him a chance to have another try at the WR in case of failure. However, it must be to quick of a turnaround from Berlin 2019 and given his bad luck in Dubai, it's unlikely he'll begin his season there.
RAK Half - Possible
-Kenenisa wants to have a last try at running a proper half, and with ideal conditions, they believe he could run 57:40-57:50. Ras offers those conditions and would be a great race for Kenenisa.
London Marathon - Very probable
- Highly lucrative with a huge appearance fee. Stacked fields and a chance to take on Eliud Kipchoge. It's almost certain Bekele will be there.
Tokyo Olympics - Possible
- Of course Bekele would love another Olympic gold, however it depends on when and where he wants to have a last shot at the WR.
Berlin Marathon - Probable
- It's likely Berlin will once again be chosen as the venue for his last WR attempt, therefore he would have to skip the Olympics and dodge Kipchoge.
Dubai Marathon 2021 - Unlikely
- If Bekele decides to do the Olympic marathon, he'll have to postpone his WR bid for a few more months until Dubai 2021. However, give his poor history in Dubai and father time it's unlikely this will be the decision.
Proposed 2020 seasons
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1. +- RAK Half + London Marathon + Berlin Marathon
2. +- RAK Half + London Marathon - Tokyo Olympics - Dubai Marathon 2021
3. Dubai Marathon 2020 +- London Marathon + Tokyo Olympics
4. Dubai Marathon 2020 + Berlin Marathon
A final decision will be taken in the next 3-4 weeks!
Feel free to discuss and say which of those would suit Kenenisa the best!