Ritzenhein finished third in his 2006 Great North Run appearance

World half-marathon bronze medallist Dathan Ritzenhein will face world-record holder Haile Gebrselassie at September's Great North Run.

Ritzenhein, 27, took third place at the event in 2006 and set the US 5000m record in Zurich during 2009.

"I'm sure he will give Haile a good run for his money," said elite athletes manager Peter Riley.

"He's helping to lead the renaissance of American running and the half-marathon distance suits him perfectly."

He added:"It's good to have already signed up two world class performers for this year's meeting."

606: DEBATE Can Ritzenhein compete with Gebrselassie?

The American, who set a new personal best time of an hour at Birmingham's world half-marathon in autumn, said the key to his 2006 third place was a consistent speed.

"I tried to be smart and run an even pace," Ritzenhein said. "When they kept surging, I didn't panic. And at some points I tried to let them know I wasn't intimidated."

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