Visit prompted by involvement in Detroit-based Ethiopian aid organization
DETROIT - (October 7, 2007) - New marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie will be in Detroit the weekend of October 20-21 in a visit that coincides with the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon.

Gebrselassie, 34, will be in Detroit to support a dinner raising funds for the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association (ENAHPA), an organization founded by Detroit cardiac physician Dr. Ingida Asfaw, dedicated to alleviating the severe health care crisis in Ethiopia.

On September 30, at the real,- Berlin Marathon, Gebrselassie broke the existing world record by 29 seconds with his 2 hour, 4 minute, 26 second performance. It was his 23rd world record in distances ranging from 2000 meters to the marathon.

Race organizers said Gebrselassie has indicated that he will start the marathon and run a portion of the route, but that he has not yet decided whether he will complete the entire 26.2 miles.

"We are moved and inspired by his level of commitment. As far as I know, no other athlete has ever been willing to make such a public statement," said Marathon Director Patricia Ball. "We are excited to have Haile participate in the Marathon. We've never had anyone of this magnitude to participate in the race before."

ENAHPA has sponsored 10 medical mission trips to Ethiopia since 2001, assembling a small army of medical professionals and volunteers who donate their time and talents to provide free surgical and medical care to Ethiopian citizens. Gebrselassie is an honorary chair of ENAHPA's Faces of Ethiopia Inaugural Dinner and will attend the event, held on Saturday, October 20, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Proceeds from the dinner will help fund future missions and provide a wide range of health and human services programs for Ethiopia.

For ticket prices or more information about the Faces of Ethiopia Inaugural Dinner, contact ENAHPA at (313) 872-2000 or email: enahpa1@aol.com.

"Having the world record holder in the marathon with us for the 30th Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon will make this year's race even more of a milestone," said Free Press Publisher David Hunke. "The race is an institution that draws competitors from beyond this region and his presence, whether he ultimately decides to run the full race or not, will add to its stature."

The Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon started in 1978 with 1,942 participants. This year's Marathon marks the 30th anniversary of the race, with 15,000 people expected to run or walk the unique course that crosses the U.S. / Canadian border twice, featuring musical entertainment along the way.

The Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon ranks as one of the best venues for running 26.2 miles in North America. Marathon & Beyond magazine rates only six marathons higher.

For more information on the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon, call (313) 222-6676 or e-mail: marathon@freepress.com.