Record 15,000 places set, as registration opens for 2023 Safaricom Women First 5km

Race organizers of Great Ethiopian Run will launch registration on 27th February for the 2023 Safaricom Women First 5km with a record 15,000 places on offer to participants for the race which this year takes place on Sunday 26th March 2023, four days after International Women’s Day.
This year also marks the second time that Safaricom Ethiopia is taking on the role of headline sponsor with a three-year partnership as a title sponsor. Commenting on their ongoing support for the event, Fayda Zewdu, Head of Consumer Segments, Safaricom Ethiopia said: “We are proud to be the title sponsor for the WOMEN FIRST 5K Run once again as it matches our commitment to investing, supporting and championing women’s empowerment in Ethiopia. Our three-year partnership with Great Ethiopian Run demonstrates our desire to create more opportunities for development in the most inclusive way.”
‘’Since entering the market in Ethiopia, Safaricom has worked hard to advocate for women’s empowerment and our partnership with them is a great fit. We are delighted to have such a committed partner as our title sponsor’’ said General Manager, Dagmawit Amare.
This year the WOMEN FIRST 5km celebrates its 20th edition and the event launch which is taking place at Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa will be attended by Haile Gebrselassie and race ambassador Meseret Defar. Also present will be a representative from Women and Social Affairs Ato Sileshi Tadesse, Women Rights and protection lead CEO.
The race’s 20th edition also welcomes SENQ Malt, National Election Board of Ethiopia, Dashen Bank and Ethio Post as the four new senior sponsors.
As part of its vision to “make running a lifestyle for everyone” Great Ethiopian Run is inviting participants to sign up for its 4-week Fitness Challenge, a training program designed specifically for participation in the race.
Registration with an entry fee of 450 birr per participant can be enacted at any branch in Addis Ababa of Dashen Bank as well as via the Amole mobile app. The race route remains unchanged with the traditional start and finish venues by Atlas Hotel in Bole.