Police announces closure of roads to vehicles for tomorrow’s Great Ethiopian Run

Addis Ababa, November 16, 2024 (FBC) – The Addis Ababa Police today announced closure of certain roads and highways to vehicles for the 2024 Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International 10km which is set to start and finish at Meskel Square in the Ethiopian capital tomorrow morning.

Recall that the 2024 Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International 10km has been recognised as a World Athletics Label Road Race by the world’s governing body, World Athletics.

Tens of thousands of participants, including elite runners, retired athletes, senior government officials, diplomats of various countries, residents of Addis Ababa and other cities, and other invited guests are expected to participate in this annual sports festival.

Accordingly, police said that the following roads will be closed to vehicles until the end of the event.

The Olympia traffic circle to Meskel Square highway is set to be blocked at Olympia roundabout, whereas, the road from Tilahun rotary to St. Joseph avenue will be closed at Tilahun avenue, and for heavy vehicles at Agona Cinema area.

The highway from the African Union avenue to Mexico square will be closed at Tiyt Bet intersection, and the route from Tiyt Bet to the back of St. Gabriel will be blocked at Tiyt Bet intersection. Whereas, the route leading from African Union HQ area traffic light to Mexico Square will be blocked at Mexico Square area known as Tiyt Fabrika intersection.

Meanwhile, the route from Parliament road to Konsen turn is set to be blocked at Parliament avenue and the road from Konsen turn to Gabriel is set to be closed at Konsen turn. Whereas, the route from Setoch Adebabay to Kazanchis is set for closure at Setoch Adebabay and the road leading from Setoch Adebabay to Kazanchis Total will also be blocked at Setoch Adebabay.

The 22 rotary–Zerihun Building–Urael road is set to be closed at Zerihun Building intersection.

Moreover, the Peacock new road to Urael roundabout is set to be blocked at Peacock road traffic light. The route leading from Gazebo roundabout to Denbel city center area is set to be closed at Gazebo traffic circle.

On the other hand, the Kirkos Church intersection–Leghar traffic light route will be closed at Kirkos Church intersection. The route from Landmark Hospital turn to Genet Hotel or to Genet area traffic light will be blocked at Landmark Hospital intersection. The road passing around the leaning tower to Mexico square will be blocked at leaning tower intersection.

Police added that the Mola Maru intersection–Geja Sefer road is set for closure at Geja Sefer intersection and the highway leading from the Federal High Court roundabout to Mexico Square will be blocked at the Federal High Court roundabout.

Furthermore, the Senga Tera 40/60 to Senga Tera traffic light route will be closed at Senga Tera 40/60 turn, and the road from Goma Kuteba traffic light to National Theater will be closed at Goma Kuteba traffic light intersection.

From Meteorology turn to Post Office traffic light will be closed at Meteorology turn, but the route leading from Black Lion Shell to Immigration office will be blocked at Black Lion Hospital Shell area. The Gola Michael crossroads–Immigration office will be closed at Gola Michael church crossroads.

Addis Ababa Police information indicated that the closure of the aforementioned routes will be effective from 5:30 am (11:30 local time) at dawn until the end of the competition.

It was also stated that parking of vehicles on the mentioned routes, whether for short or long periods, is restricted from 6:00 pm (12:00 local time) in the evening on Saturday until the conclusion of the running festival.

On the other hand, the police urged the participants of the competition to be aware that there will be checks and provide the necessary cooperation to security forces and other stakeholders.