Paul Tergat, Hendrick Ramaala and Haile Gebrselassie will compete in next year's London Marathon. The race's director David Bedford, who confirmed the trio's participation yesterday, said he was enthralled by the battle to the finishing line between the world record holder Tergat and Ramaala, the defending champion, in Sunday's New York Marathon.
Kenya's Tergat won by half a stride and Bedford said: "It was a stunning race and a great advertisement for the sport.
"What an incredible race they had. The pair of them were absolutely brilliant and they, along with the remaining current crop of runners, are capable of producing some great head-to-heads. Now I've got to start gathering together a great field for next year's London race."
Ramaala, from South Africa, is eager for a re-match with Tergat and he wants it to take place on April 23 next year. "I was beaten by a big champion. I'd love to race Paul again. I know he is running in London and I think Haile will be there too so I want to be there for sure," he insisted.
Gebrselassie, from Ethiopia, has a long-term contract for the London race, ensuring his presence next year.
