Addis Ababa, November 23, 2025 (ENA) – The Great Ethiopian Run celebrated its 25th anniversary today as more than 55,000 participants flooded Meskel Square for Africa’s largest 10-kilometer road race.
The annual event, which was launched in 2001 by athletics icon Haile Gebrselassie, has grown into a powerful symbol of national pride and a global showcase of Ethiopia’s long-distance running legacy.
This year’s edition, the Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run 2025, gathered elite athletes, recreational runners, and international participants under the theme “A Nation in 10 KM.”
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, and other senior officials were in attendance to mark the milestone occasion.
The capital’s newly upgraded streets were transformed into a festive stage, featuring music, cultural performances, and cheering crowds lining the route.
Organizers emphasized that the event’s significance extends beyond athletics, highlighting its role in promoting Ethiopian culture, unity, and community spirit.
Over its 25-year history, the race has attracted hundreds of thousands of runners and generated substantial funds for social initiatives and youth development programs.
It is also credited with boosting Addis Ababa’s economy through increased tourism and business activity during the race weekend.
The event received additional recognition this year after being granted World Athletics Heritage status, underscoring its cultural and historical importance within the global running community.
As runners crossed the finish line, they were met with loud applause, an expression of the joy, resilience, and togetherness that have defined the Great Ethiopian Run since its inception.
