The Great Ethiopian Run has held 5km and 15km races in Jimma as part of its “Know Ethiopia Classics” series, using the event to promote public health awareness under the slogan “END POLIO NOW.”
The third stage of the six-city series, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, took place today April 26, 2026 and brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and children in a day that mixed sport with a vaccination message aimed at parents. Organizers said the event was designed to encourage timely immunization for children as part of broader efforts to eliminate polio.
The race featured 15km, 5km and children’s categories, attracting participants from more than 10 countries, including Ethiopia. More than 90 runners traveled from Addis Ababa and other cities for the 15km race, while the 5km event drew local Jimma athletes and more than 4,000 fitness enthusiasts.
The day’s activities also included entertainment and sightseeing on the eve of the races. Participants visited the Midroc Horizon Plantation coffee farm and joined a 5km walk, with organizers saying the programme offered a chance to showcase Jimma’s tourism potential and its identity as the birthplace of coffee.
A range of partners supported the event, including Ethio Telecom, Telebirr, the Ministry of Tourism, Rotary Ethiopia with GPEI partners, Pepsi, Dashen Bank, Midroc Horizon, Top Water, Haile Hotel and Resorts, and African Hospital. Organizers said the collaboration was key to ensuring the success of the Jimma edition of the series.
The Jimma races followed earlier editions in Debre Berhan and Hawassa, marking the third chapter of this year’s “Know Ethiopia Classics” tour. The series is expected to continue highlighting host cities while combining sport, tourism promotion and social messaging.
