5f38a1823f688210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRDapproved/thenational/Articles/Migration/2009-Q1All eyes on world record4f38a1823f688210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____The Dubai Marathon will continue its drive to be recognised as one of the sport's top events, given the interest generated by Haile Gebrselassie's second attempt at breaking the world record.<p>DUBAI // The Dubai Marathon will continue its drive to be recognised as one of the sport's top events, given the interest generated by Haile Gebrselassie's second attempt at breaking the world record here. Despite carrying the richest purse in marathon running, the race is not among the official events - Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York - which make up the World Marathon Majors series. But the organisers say Gebrselassie's presence reflects the growing esteem in which the race is held.</p> <p>Peter Connerton, the event director, said: "We are delighted he has come here in preference to other marathons, including London. It shows Dubai is on the map." Gebrselassie has been afforded every possible advantage in his bid to set a new fastest time this morning. The course has since been modified from last year - by removing any inclines and a number of turns - in a bid to assist his record bid.</p> <p>He will also be granted the benefit of an innovative new timing device for the first time. The Ethiopian, 35, and his pacemakers will follow a giant digital screen on a flatbed truck, which displays running time, split kilometre times, average kilometre times, and projected half and full marathon times. Gebrselassie blamed last year's failed attempt on an overly ambitious early speed set by his pacemakers.</p> <p>pradley@thenational.ae</p> 152YYSPORT2009011500000020090115000000100ARhttp://adedit.ad.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090115/SPORT/567340205673402020090115100000000cd8c01492a9b8210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____4f38a1823f688210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____03d7e91672448210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRD32fbddd7ad9b8210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____4f38a1823f688210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____dff9a1823f688210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRD