Dire Tune returns to Ostrava with two World records on her mind

Ostrava, Czech Republic - For third time in row following Haile Gebrselassie‘s two world records in 2007, and Dire Tune‘s World record last year, the organisers of 48th Ostrava Golden Spike in Czech Republic will stage in the pre-programme a long distance world record attack.

The Ostrava Golden Spike is a Grand Prix status event as part of the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Tour.

Tune who won the Boston marathon last year and was a very close second in that race last month will return to Ostrava where last year she set the World record for the One Hour Run but this year she will try for two records. First to improve her own One Hour mark (18 517 metres) and then to continue until 20,000m to try to better the 1:05:26.6 by Tegla Loroupe of Kenya in 2000.

“I am very excited to return to Ostrava and attempt another World record for 20k this year. After my experience and results I achieved in Ostrava last year in addition to the way the organizers and spectators treated me, it left me with a feeling that I will come back again to do something special. I am very proud to come back to Ostrava again and am looking forward to 17 June,” confirmed Tune.

Another top name added into the stellar entry list for the meeting is Olympic 800m silver medallist Ahmed Ismail of Sudan.

“My big goal this year is to win in Berlin at the World Championships. I’m looking forward to Ostrava. I have good memories from winter in Praha when I clocked the world leading mark of the season,” said the Sudanese runner. He hopes to attack not only his PB 1:44.34 but also the meet record 1:43.24.

Also in the 800m field is Kenyan talent David Rudisha and there will be a rare appearance at the distance by current 1500m world season leader Augustine Choge of Kenya.

Already announced are stars including Usain Bolt, Dayron Robles, Pamela Jelimo, Barbora Spotakova and Blanka Vlasic.