The streets of Addis Ababa are set to come alive this November as the Great Ethiopian Run, Africa’s largest 10km road race, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Scheduled for November 23, 2025, this year’s event marks a major milestone for a race that has become a symbol of Ethiopian pride, unity, and the continent’s vibrant running culture.

Launched in November 2001 by Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie and his colleagues, the Great Ethiopian Run quickly captured the imagination of a nation renowned for its world-class distance runners. The inaugural edition, won by Haile himself and Berhane Adere, set the stage for an event that would soon become a fixture on the international running calendar.

Over the past 24 years, the race has attracted more than 760,000 participants, transforming from a local road race into a massive street festival that brings together tens of thousands of Ethiopians and international runners each year. The event is now widely recognized as Africa’s largest 10km race and one of the world’s most unique mass-participation sporting events.

What sets the Great Ethiopian Run apart is its infectious energy and inclusivity. More than just a race, it is a vibrant celebration of running, walking, and dancing, led by Ethiopia’s celebrated international athletes. Each November, Addis Ababa’s streets fill with color, music, and the joyful spirit of participants from all walks of life—elite runners, aspiring athletes, schoolchildren, charity groups, and visitors from around the globe.

The event is often described as Ethiopia’s biggest street party, where the boundaries between competition and celebration blur. International runners are drawn not only by the challenge of racing at high altitude but also by the chance to experience Ethiopian culture, from traditional music and dance to the iconic pre-race pasta party and coffee ceremony.

To commemorate its 25th edition, the Great Ethiopian Run offered 500 free entries to early registrants, with general registration opening in July. Organizers are also collecting stories and testimonials from past participants, highlighting the personal and collective impact the race has had over the years.

“This anniversary is more than just a number—it’s a celebration of the community we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched,” said Dagmawit Amare, General Manager of the Great Ethiopian Run. “We’re excited to mark our 25th anniversary alongside all those who’ve been part of our journey”.

Beyond the excitement, the race has made a tangible difference in Ethiopian society. Over the past two decades, it has raised more than 35 million birr for various social initiatives, using its platform to promote health, nutrition, and youth development. Recent editions have also highlighted important causes, such as child nutrition, with themes that resonate far beyond the finish line.

The Great Ethiopian Run is also a launching pad for the country’s next generation of running talent. Many of Ethiopia’s top athletes have competed—and won—here before making their mark on the global stage. The race’s competitive front pack is hotly contested, with tight finishes and surprise victories a hallmark of the event.

Course records are fiercely pursued, with Deriba Merga (28:18.61, 2006) and Yalemzerf Yehualaw (31:17, 2022) holding the men’s and women’s records, respectively. Yet, for most participants, the race is about personal achievement, community, and the sheer joy of taking part in an event that has become a national tradition.

The Great Ethiopian Run’s reputation now extends far beyond Ethiopia’s borders. International participants, from seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, travel to Addis Ababa each year to join the festivities and test themselves against the city’s challenging altitude. The event is regularly featured among the world’s best 10km road races for its unique blend of athleticism, culture, and celebration.

The race has also inspired similar events across Ethiopia, with the organizing company, Great Ethiopian Run plc, now managing over 150 races nationwide, including women’s runs and regional classics. This expansion has helped to foster a running culture that reaches every corner of the country.