Great Ethiopian Run Aims for 50,000 Finishers

The 26th edition of the Great Ethiopian Run is set to take place on November 22 in Addis Ababa, with General Manager Dagmawit Amare aiming to get at least 50,000 participants across the finish line. This year's event has seen 60,000 participants register for the 10km race and 5,000 for the children's race. Dagmawit, who has been with the organisation for 22 years and became the first woman to hold the position of General Manager in 2021, is looking to make a lasting impact beyond the event.

The event has undergone several changes this year, including the introduction of timing chips and race numbers for all 14,000 runners in the Green Start, formerly known as the fast wave. A new Yellow Start has been introduced at St Joseph School for Grade 11 and 12 students, sponsored by Bank of America. This initiative aims to broaden the participant demographic to include a younger age group. The staggered starting times for the Green Start, Red Start, and Yellow Start are intended to help manage the crowds and prevent congestion along the route.

The event's prize money has been increased, with the winners of the 10km race in both men's and women's categories set to receive 400,000 Birr each. A total of over 1.8 million Birr has been allocated for prizes, with athletes who improve the race record receiving an additional 50,000 Birr. The event also aims to raise eight million Birr for three charitable organisations supporting people affected by cancer, children with intellectual disabilities, and older people.

Dagmawit Amare has expressed her commitment to making running a lasting part of everyday life in Ethiopia. Through training tools, monthly community runs, and events in other Ethiopian cities, she hopes to promote a culture of running beyond the event. The organisation has also introduced a GER Training App, which provides personalized training tips and a sense of community for runners.

The event has also made efforts to include people with disabilities, young people, and runners travelling from outside Addis Ababa. A mobility race is held annually, and a new start has been introduced for young people. The organisation also conducts a women-only race in March to promote gender inclusion.

The charitable causes that will benefit from this year's event have been selected by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. The Alemfre Pink House Cancer Foundation, Fikir Ethiopia Association for Children with Intellectual Disabilities, and Marefiya Elderly Care Support Association will receive support. The organisation aims to raise eight million Birr for these causes.

Beyond the event, Dagmawit Amare hopes that the Great Ethiopian Run will make a lasting contribution to public health, social cohesion, and Ethiopia's international image. She aims to make running a lifestyle in the community, and the organisation's efforts will be judged on its success in achieving this goal.

Key points

• 50,000 finishers are targeted for this year's Great Ethiopian Run.
• The event aims to raise eight million Birr for charitable causes.
• The organisation is working to promote running as a lifestyle in Ethiopia.