All set ahead of 25th Great Ethiopian Run

What began a quarter-century ago as Haile Gebrselassie’s vision has now grown into the continent’s largest road race — a cultural celebration that weaves through the Addis Ababa’s electric corridors from Meskel Square to Bole and beyond, attracting elite athletes, fun runners, and global sporting leaders

Kenyan icons Moses Tanui and Daniel Komen are among the distinguished guests in Ethiopia, joining Jack Fleming, CEO of the Boston Marathon, and Carey Pinkowski, Executive Director of the Chicago Marathon, who are visiting Ethiopia for the first time.

Their arrival in Addis Ababa has elevated the weekend’s celebrations, reinforcing the powerful role the race plays in uniting nations and shaping the global running community.

The two American race bosses praised Ethiopia’s vibrant running culture at Friday’s pre-race press conference held at the Hyatt Regency.

“We are having an incredible visit to a wonderful country,” Fleming said. “Everyone here is making us feel so much at home. I can’t wait to experience the race on Sunday.”

Pinkowski echoed the sentiment, commending the energy and global relevance of Africa’s biggest road race.

Later on, the two met a group of former Boston and Chicago Marathon champions, including Ethiopian greats Berhane Adere and Tsegaye Kebede, as well as Kenya’s Moses Tanui.

Their reunion highlighted decades of shared history between East Africa and the world’s most prestigious road races.

Ethiopia–Kenya rivalry celebrated

Kenya and Ethiopia’s long-standing running rivalry — one built on respect and excellence — was a central focus at the presser.

Kenyan legend Daniel Komen reflected on his famous duels with Haile Gebrselassie during the 1990s, a period that produced three world records over 5000m in just a span of 12 months with Gebrselassie winning two of the three.

He said the rivalry helped elevate both nations and continues to inspire new generations.

Komen praised the Great Ethiopian Run for keeping that spirit alive, noting that its mass-participation culture and elite competition remain a driving force in East African athletics.

Global honour for the Great Ethiopian Run

The 25th edition of the race comes days after the event received the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the ‘Competition’ category.

The award recognises the race’s outstanding contribution to global athletics over the past quarter-century.

The plaque was presented by World Athletics Heritage Director Chris Turner and accepted by Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie and race founder Haile Gebrselassie at a ceremony held at the National Museum.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the Great Ethiopian Run as “one of the great African sporting success stories,” praising its role in transforming mass running culture on the continent.

This year’s edition is celebrated under the theme “A Nation in 10km.”

Sunday’s race will follow the classic Addis Ababa circuit, beginning near Meskel Square before weaving through the bustling Bole district and looping back toward the finish.

The combination of high altitude, rolling terrain and enthusiastic crowds creates one of the most distinctive race atmospheres in the world.

Race weekend programme

Saturday, November 22, 2025

* 6:30am — Entoto Sunrise 3km (International Participants Only)

Sunday, November 23, 2025 — Race Day

* 7:10am & 7:15am — Mobility Races

* 7:55am & 7:57am — Elite Races Start

* 8:00am — 10km Fast Wave

* 8:10am — 10km Fun Wave