To be a participant in the WOMEN FIRST 5km is an uplifting experience. It gives you the opportunity to be together with thousands of other women and girls, to have fun running, jogging and walking together on the streets of your home city, and to celebrate what women have achieved in their contributions to the development of the economic, cultural and social life in Ethiopia.
For Ethiopia’s top female athletes the race is also important – and not only for the prizemoney that is on offer to the winning athletes. Over the race’s history, athletes of the stature of Aselefech Mergia (who was a three-time winner of the Dubai Marathon, one of the world’s richest races) have taken part in and won the Women First 5km. So too has Senberi Teferi and Mamitu Daska, athletes who have had a successful career racing in many other top international road races around the world. To come out top in the biggest women’s-only race in your own country is an achievement and memory worth having.
Women First 5km Race Ambassador Meseret Defar, a two-time Olympic gold medallist over 5,000 metres, regularly talks about the pride she feels in her contribution towards the success of the race. “What is success if it can’t be shared and enjoyed by others?” she asks. Mesi, who is a constant presence at the race, is delighted at how this race brings joy to thousands of girls and women who come to take part in the race.
Shani Senbatta, a former winner of the Icon Women’s Category at Women First 5km, explains the significance of the race like this: “From the moment I first joined this event, I knew it was an experience I never wanted to miss. The sense of unity and camaraderie that pervades the atmosphere here is truly the heart of this run.”
As the race has developed over the past 21 years – the first edition took place in May 2004 – many participants have talked about the inspiration that they draw from the competition which they take into their everyday lives. The race always takes place at the time of International Women’s Day (8th March) but the spirit of the run and the messages which are publicised at the event have resonance throughout the year.
Ethiopia’s former President Sahlework Zewdie said this about the Women First 5km: “Let’s enjoy this day. And let’s continue our work – there is much we can do. I want to say to you all: keep going and be successful.”
