The Great Ethiopian Run (GER) features a 10-kilometer road race and has established itself as one of the most remarkable and prominent events in Ethiopia. The event offers multifaceted benefits and is a popular gathering for people of all walks of life.
GER is a significant annual sporting event that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, including diplomats, local and international athletes, foreigners, and citizens alike.
Founded by the renowned Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie, the GER serves as a sports festival that captivates a diverse audience. It invites participation from all individuals, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender, or political beliefs, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
Now, the event transforms into a vibrant street celebration, where tens of thousands of people engage in running, walking, and dancing along the course. The vision of the GER is to promote running as a lifestyle choice for everyone.
In light of the alarming rates of mortality associated with non-communicable diseases, initiatives like the Great Ethiopian Run are essential for encouraging healthy living and an active lifestyle.
The GER advocates for participants to walk to and from the race venue rather than using vehicles. Additionally, it encourages walking three kilometers daily as a substitute for short car journeys, aiming to instill healthy habits within the community.
The event also takes proactive measures to reduce carbon emissions, promote recycling, and ensure proper waste disposal, while minimizing the use of plastic and paper. Moreover, this grand event, which attracts over 50,000 participants, holds significant value in disseminating social messages.
Various individuals and groups utilize this extensive platform to raise awareness about pressing social issues. Consequently, activists concerned with matters such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, child abuse, any form of stigma, and child labor exploitation prepare to share their messages with the community during this prominent occasion.
In addition to providing entertainment through a range of sporting activities, the GER is dedicated to raising funds for charitable causes. These funds are generated through contributions from individuals, organizations, and participants involved in the GER.
Following the race, individuals and organizations have the opportunity to purchase charity t-shirts. As a result, over the past seventeen years, the campaign has successfully raised more than 20 million birr, which has been allocated to over 30 charitable organizations that support women, children, and the elderly.
This road race occurs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a significant role in enhancing the country’s image and boosting tourism. The event draws international participants who invest in airfare, accommodations, and various other expenses.
This prestigious occasion demonstrates Ethiopia’s capability to host world-class events and highlights its ability to collaborate with global initiatives. The Great Ethiopian Run (GER) is recognized as one of the premier road races worldwide, attracting competitors from diverse backgrounds, including some of the most celebrated athletes.
Globally, the GER is renowned for being one of the most vibrant and dynamic races on the international athletics calendar. Currently, Addis Ababa is undergoing a transformation into a cleaner and more organized city, thanks to an extensive corridor development project aimed at improving the appearance of the capital city.
Major events like the Great Ethiopian Run provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s positive image and increase revenue from the tourism sector.
By and large, the Great Ethiopian Run is poised to make a substantial impact on tourism and development initiatives in Addis Ababa. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy, with the participation of 50,000 runners.
This significant event will enhance Ethiopia’s tourism profile on the global stage, as it is one of the most recognized races worldwide. The Great Ethiopian Run International offers a distinctive experience for runners of all abilities.
While it attracts elite competitors, its primary aim is to promote widespread participation among local residents. The event is also ranked among the best 10km road races for international entrants. This year, the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km had been held for the 24th time, uniting runners from around the globe and celebrating the theme called: For Every Child Nutrition.
In conclusion, this sports festival should be further developed to attract an even greater number of tourists.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2024
