Ethiopian Marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie was today (21/11/08) presented with the AIMS/Citizen World's Fastest Time Award for his world-record-breaking performance in this year's Berlin Marathon.

Haile's time of 2:03:59 achieved on 28th September 2008 beat the previous men's marathon world record, achieved by Haile on the same course last year, by an incredible 27 seconds.

This outstanding achievement has been officially recognised as the fastest time recorded by a man over the marathon distance by both the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which represents over 260 major road running events in 85 countries, and the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations).

AIMS Secretary Hugh Jones made the presentation of this special award at the pre-race media conference for this weekend's 2008 Toyota Great Ethiopian Run.

AIMS President Hiroaki Chosa comments: "Haile Gebrselassie's achievement in winning the AIMS/Citizen World's Fastest Time Award is astonishing. Haile epitomises the qualities of the ultimate distance runner and should be regarded as a role model for runners throughout the world. To win this award for the second time in a row is an outstanding achievement and confirms Haile's official status as the fastest male marathon runner in world history."

AIMS Secretary Hugh Jones comments: "AIMS Statistician Dr David Martin has pointed out that if world record times keep improving at the rate they are currently progressing, an athlete could break a time of two hours for the marathon by 2015.
I am delighted that Haile's outstanding performance is being recognised in this way."

Haile Gebrselassie comments: "I am delighted to accept this prestigious award from AIMS and Citizen and I wish to thank them for their continued support. I would also like to accept this award on behalf of my coach, friends, family, and the wider running community. To receive this honour in my home country of Ethiopia is special to me."