The historic city of Jimma became a vibrant hub of athletics and public health advocacy on April 26, 2026, as it hosted the third stage of the “Discover Ethiopia Classics” race series. The event, which drew more than 4,000 participants, successfully blended the promotion of sports tourism with a critical, global mission: “END POLIO NOW.”
Organized by the Great Ethiopian Run in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the race series aims to showcase Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and beauty through athletics. Jimma, renowned as the birthplace of coffee, offered a unique backdrop for runners who traveled from across the country and ten different nations to compete.
The event featured 15km and 5km races, along with dedicated categories for children. While the 15km race attracted over 100 elite runners from Addis Ababa and beyond, the 5km event saw significant participation from local fitness enthusiasts and families. Among those taking part was Jimma Mayor Taha Kedir, who joined thousands of citizens to highlight the city’s commitment to healthy living and community engagement.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the race served as a major public health platform. Under the slogan “END POLIO NOW,” organizers collaborated with Rotary Ethiopia, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the CORE Group, and national health authorities to urge parents to prioritize timely childhood immunization. The race functioned as a comprehensive educational campaign, mixing physical fitness with a vital message to protect children against polio.
The impact of the run began well before race day. Aligned with World Immunization Week (April 24–30), Jimma transformed into a hub of awareness on April 24 and 25.
The Jimma edition was made possible through the support of a wide range of partners, including Ethio Telecom, Telebirr, Pepsi, Dashen Bank, Midroc Horizon, Top Water, Haile Hotel and Resorts, and African Hospital. This event marks the third successful chapter of the six-city “Know Ethiopia Classics” tour, following earlier editions in Debre Berhan and Hawassa.
As the series gains momentum, organizers are already looking ahead to the next challenge. The “Discover Ethiopia Classics” tour will now head to the “Home of Champions,” Bekoji, where the next stage is scheduled for May 24, 2026. The series continues its mission to spotlight host cities across the country, proving that Ethiopia’s potential for sports tourism and social impact remains as vast as the terrain covered by its runners.
