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Tergat and Ramaala confirmed for London Marathon 2006

2005-11-08

Tergat and Ramaala will provide thrilling race in London as well
© Victah Sailor

Next year's Flora London Marathon is preparing itself for what could be the greatest-ever men's race ever witnessed in what will be its 26-years history. David Bedford the race director has confirmed that Paul Tergat and Hendrick Ramaala who fought a battle to the death in New York on Sunday will definitely be in the World's Number One marathon event.

"It's a 100 per cent they will be competing and Haile Gebrselassie will also be in the field," said Bedford, reiterating the world's greatest-ever distance runner has a long term contract for the London race. Bedford back home from New York admitted he was enthralled by the amazing battle to the finishing line when Tergat the world record-holder beat Ramaala the defending champion, by just half-a-stride.

Rematch

"It was a stunning race and a great advertisement for the sport," he insisted after the Kenyan winner scored a nailbiting win with one final surge against his South African rival. Ramaala who dived across the line in his desire for victory, immediately after the race was searching for a rematch with Tergat and made it quite clear that he wants it to take place in London on April 23 next year. "I was beaten by a big champion. I'd love to race Paul again. I know he is running in London and I think Gebre will be there too so I want to be there for sure," he insisted.

"They both will be very welcome and what an incredible race they had," said Bedford answering Ramaala's  wish and also praising the present high world marathon standards. He added: "The pair of them were absolutely brilliant and they along with the current crop of runners are capable of producing some great head-to-heads."It's good for the marathon and now I've got to start gathering together a great field for our race next year."