Legendary long distance runner retires

Legendary long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie has announced his retirement from competitive activities.

He 42-year-old Ethiopian had announced his intention to retire five years ago after injury problems but returned racing a few months later.

On Sunday however, he confirmed his decision after finishing 16th in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 10.

Gebresalassie's retirement brings to an end of a 25-year medals, trophies, records and honours laden career.

"I'm retiring from competitive running, not from running. You cannot stop running, this is my life," he told BBC Sport.

He finished 16th on his final competitive outing in the Great Manchester run on Sunday.

Gebrselassie first made his mark in 1993 as a 20-year-old sprinter, winning the first of four consecutive world championship titles in the 10,000 metres.

He has won two gold Olympic medallist - in Sydney and Atlanta - and won the Berlin marathon four times consecutiuvely.