Intro:

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, the World and Olympic record holder at 5000 and 10000 metres, looks forward to taking part in the 16th running of the Dubai Marathon on Wednesday (21st January).

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Kenenisa Bekele, World and Olympic record holder at 5000 and 10000 metres:

(On how fit he's feeling going into the Dubai marathon)

"I'm feeling better, I'm feeling happy to be here. You know, I've prepared well, so healthy enough and I've prepared well, so I'm confident to be here."

SOUNDBITE (English) Kenenisa Bekele, World and Olympic record holder at 5000 and 10000 metres:

(On his desire to match his track achievements over the marathon distance)

"Of course, it's very important, you know? I want to achieve also in marathon, because I've achieved so many results over the track, so this is of course... marathon is very important, you know, before my career ends I want to do something over the marathon distance."

SOUNDBITE (English) Kenenisa Bekele, World and Olympic record holder at 5000 and 10000 metres:

(On the Dubai marathon course)

"Yes, the Dubai course is a flat course and it's a fast marathon. I want to improve my time, to run a faster time than I have before, so my goal is to improve my time."

SOUNDBITE (English) Kenenisa Bekele, World and Olympic record holder at 5000 and 10000 metres:

(On the strong pedigree Ethiopian runners have at the Dubai marathon and the strength of the field)

"Of course, yes. Ethiopians all the time you know, running fast and winning the Dubai marathon, so of course I know that. It's a challenging race. I'm very happy to run with strong Ethiopians, so we'll see."