Registration has officially opened for the 2026 Safaricom Women First 5km, set for Sunday, March 22. The 23rd edition of the all-women’s race continues to celebrate women’s achievements while promoting health, fitness, and empowerment across Ethiopia.
Organizers said 16,000 race slots are available, with participants following the traditional 5km route near the Atlas Hotel in the Bole area, a course known for its lively atmosphere and strong community engagement.
Dagmawit Amare, Managing Director of Great Ethiopian Run, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. Despite rising operational costs, the race entry fee remains ETB 590 to ensure participation across a broad demographic of women and girls. To ease the financial burden, digital payment incentives have been introduced, offering discounts for those registering via M-Pesa and the Dashen SuperApp.
HermelaYilma, Head of Brand and Communications at Safaricom Ethiopia, expressed pride in the company’s role as title sponsor. She said, “We feel a deep sense of honor to support this competition, which reflects the hard work of women and amplifies their voices,” reaffirming Safaricom’s long-standing partnership with the race.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Live Smart – Run Confident”, promoted by DKT Ethiopia. Aditya Putra, Country Director of DKT Ethiopia, said the theme aligns with the organization’s focus on reproductive health awareness. “The theme reflects our belief that informed reproductive health choices build lifelong confidence,” he said, highlighting the race as a bridge between health awareness and community engagement.
Registration opens on February 21, 2026, and participants can sign up via M-Pesa, the Dashen SuperApp, or in person at four designated Safaricom shops. The event is supported by a wide range of partners, including M-Pesa, DKT, Dashen Bank, Aktive, the Embassy of Ireland, UNICEF, Fab Beauty Soap, Top Water, Hyatt Regency, ETV, and Afran Hospital.
