Ethiopia is home to numerous famous international long-distance runners. The country’s highland topography, climate, and determination of the athletes, among others make the country to be in the top list of world Olympics and other regional and global long-distance tournaments.
At the athletics stages that Ethiopian athletes have participated in, they registered remarkable feats and won different gold, silver, and bronze medals. Abebe Bikila, Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, Derartu Tulu, among others, have gained international acclaim for their outstanding performance and achievement in the global athletics race.
Following this, the country also witnessed success in nurturing young athletes and continues amassing world records in different Olympics.
Recently, the 24th annual Great Ethiopian Run race was held in the center of Addis Ababa adorned with the country’s tri-color running t-shirts. This giant athletics event was attended by numerous legendary and renowned athletes from across the world, officials, diplomats, young athletes as well as thousands of sports fans.
This year the Great Ethiopian Run International 10 Km race was held under the theme “For Every Child, Nutrition.”
Briefing journalists in connection with this grand annual sport’s event, the Ministry of Tourism announced that the Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International will enhance Ethiopia’s image and promote the country’s immense tourist attractions.
Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa said that the Great Run significantly contributes to tourism and development efforts in Addis Ababa.
According to her, this annual event significantly contributes to elevating Ethiopia’s tourism development on the global stage by properly portraying the country’s immense potential and its ability to host such events colorfully.
The founder of this prestigious international event, athlete Haile Gebrselassie also said that this race is the starting point for the success of famous athletes.
As it attracts several domestic and foreign athletes as well as the diplomatic community, the Great Ethiopian Run has also been playing a key role in building Ethiopia’s image and promoting the country’s tourism besides its contribution to the advancement of athletics, he added.
As to him, the Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International is one of the world’s most recognized races.
The Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International 10km offers a unique experience for runners of all levels. While attracting elite athletes, its primary goal is to encourage mass participation from local residents.
“The event also ranks as one of the world’s best 10km roads that have been inspiring many Ethiopian athletes to become successful in their sports endeavors.”
Meanwhile, global participants of the 24th Great Ethiopian Run told local media that they were captivated by Addis Ababa’s transformative infrastructure and the iconic race experience.
Conor Twomey from the USA, a participant in the 24th Great Ethiopian Run, has been exploring Ethiopia this week, visiting not only the capital, Addis Ababa, but also various regions of the country.
“It is my first time in Eastern Africa,” Twomey expressed his excitement, “and I couldn’t be prouder to see these Ethiopian people come out in force for such a grand event.”
“What a beautiful country, what a beautiful city! I’ve had the most amazing day participating in such a grand street running event,” he admired.
For anyone who loves running, there’s a secret ground called Entoto Natural Park, located at 7,700 feet of altitude, just a few minutes away from the city, Twomey underscored.
“We had the chance to run amongst the eucalyptus trees yesterday. What an absolute pleasure. This is a special place, a special city, and a special people,” he said encouraging everyone to consider joining the Great Ethiopian Run next year.
Conor Twomey added that the infrastructure development in the capital is incredible.
Twomey further witnessed, “I have traveled in other parts of Africa. And here, it is really impressive to see how every single street is being renovated. In Addis Ababa, there is great investment, a great sense of hope, and beautiful people and a beautiful country.”
Liam O’Brien from Ireland, another participant, said he was taking part in the annual Great Ethiopian Run International for the first time.
He expressed his excitement about participating in the annual 24th Great Ethiopian Run, saying it was a great experience.
“Unlike today, I’ve never taken part in such a large and fun race. The atmosphere was incredible. The people are great. I enjoyed it today,” O’Brien expressed his excitement, commending Ethiopia for organizing such a beautiful grand sports carnival.
Even though he has experience running in the New York, Berlin, and Chicago marathons, he has never run in as big a crowd as the Great Ethiopian Run.
For him, it was a unique experience to see all sorts of people, including children and young people, in such a great atmosphere.
Stephen Farshing, another foreign participant, said this is his third time participating in the run and it is amazing as usual.
He further added, “It is so nice to see all the people out here, the weather is very nice, and everyone is just having a good time, and so we had a good time.”
For him, it is a good time to bring everyone together, to see everyone in the city become one, run together, and encourage each other. It is just a very good spirit of brotherhood.
The Great Ethiopian Run was founded by the renowned former Ethiopia’s famous long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie in 2000.
This year’s Great Ethiopian Run event, held under the theme “For Every Child, Nutrition,” was also devoted to commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy. The event, organized in partnership with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism, was attended by more than 50,000 participants, it was learnt.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024
