Great Ethiopian Run International 10km

The annual international 10km is Great Ethiopian Run's flagship event and has been staged every year since 2001. With 45,000 participants, the race has become the biggest road race in Africa.

Celebrated as one of the liveliest and most colourful races in the world, it is Ethiopia’s biggest street party, with tens of thousands of Ethiopians running, walking and dancing their way along the route, led by Ethiopia’s celebrated international runners.

The race attracts participants of all abilities from all over the world. Many international visitors come to run in the race as part of a longer trip to Ethiopia, staying on to visit some of Ethiopia’s historical sites and national parks. Others come as part of school and charity groups, supporting and building relationships with local projects. Some international runners come just for a long weekend, to experience the running culture in Addis Ababa, visit the markets, traditional restaurants and music venues, enjoying the buzz of one of Africa’s fastest-growing capital cities.

Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia’s most famous long-distance runner, founded the race in 2001 and won the initial race. Each year Haile is at the centre of proceedings, greeting and meeting many international participants, hosting an array of famous international athletes attending the race and awarding prizes. The race has also become a vehicle for publicising important social messages.

The race entry fee including the pre-race pasta party at the official race hotel, Hyatt Regency, is £70. The pasta party is a great occasion to meet other international participants. You’ll also get to hear some traditional Ethiopian music and dance, see a traditional coffee ceremony and get to meet the great Haile Gebrselassie himself!