To break the One Hour World Record Farah will need to run faster than the 21,285m mark set by Haile Gebreselassie in 2007 in Ostrava in the Czech Republic. “What distance I am targeting ? I don’t want to tell what I think that I am capable of. That is not important. I just have to do it on September, 4th. I can only say that I am very eagerly looking forward to it and that I believe that I can do it. I want to set a new World Record”, says Farah from his training camp in Font Romeu, where he is training along with Bashir Abdi and a few other athletes from his training group.
“The AG Memorial Van Damme will be my first competition since the Chicago Marathon in October 2019. First I was struggling with an injury, then the corona pandemic washed away all the scheduled races. In my career I always focused on winning titles at major championships, but when I got the offer to attack the One Hour World Record I didn’t hesitate. My tactics ? It is important to maintain an even pace. The first 10k to 15K Bashir and I will certainly stay together. After that we will see. Bashir has his own targets. Next to the track we are close friends, but on the track we go our own way.”
This year the AG Memorial Van Damme exceptionally takes place behind closed doors, but the organisers will still try to set the stadium on fire. During the World Record attempt a DJ will play an exciting set with the favourite tracks of Mo Farah and Bashir Abdi. But it also includes the favourite uptempo beats of the AG Memorial Van Damme fans. Through social media fans can send their suggestions.
“That sounds great and it will certainly give a boost,” confirms Farah with some excitement in his voice. “I am really keen to take on the challenge ! We are going to make this a great showcase in Brussels”, promises the 5000m and 10000m Olympic Champion from London 2012 and Rio 2016.
The AG Memorial Van Damme can be followed live on VRT/Sporza and on RTBf.
