Addis Ababa, November 18, 2024 (FBC) – Global participates of the 24th Great Ethiopian Run International were captivated by Addis Ababa’s transformative infrastructure and the iconic race experience.
The 24th edition of Great Ethiopian Run International 10 Kilo meters road race held today in Addis Ababa with the participation of more than 50,000 people.
This year’s event held under the theme “For Every Child, Nutrition,” has also attracted renowned athletes and other visitors from across the world.
Conor Twomey from the USA, a participant in the 24th Great Ethiopian Run, has been exploring Ethiopia this week, visiting not only Addis Ababa but also various regions of the country.
“It’s 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’ve 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’s 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 for participating in the annual 24th Great Ethiopian Run, 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 really enjoyed it today,” O’Brien expressed his excitement, commending Ethiopia for organizing such a beautiful grand sports carnival.
“This makes Ethiopia proud,” he added.
Even though he has experience running in the New York Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon, he has never run in as big a crowd as Great Ethiopian Run.
For him, it was a really 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 that it’s beautiful.
He further added, “It’s so nice to see all the people out here, the weather is very nice, and everyone’s just having a good time, and so we had a good time.”
For him, it’s a good time to bring everyone together, to see everyone in the city become one, run together, and encourage each other. It’s just a very good spirit of brotherhood, as reported by local news agency – ENA.
Ethiopia’s famous long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie founded the annual road race in 2000.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, 50,000 people participated in this year’s Great Ethiopian Run international 10Km, which is organized in partnership with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism.
Lucy is one of the oldest archeological remains of human species of 3.2 million years old. Its remains was discovered in Ethiopia 50 years ago.
Every year, the Great Ethiopian Run takes place on the streets of Addis Ababa, which is currently evolving in appearance as a result of the rapid expansion of corridor development.