ITI Ethiopia Office Participates in 11th Annual Great Ethiopian Run

Eshetu is the communication and advocacy officer for ITI's office in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – ITI’s Ethiopia office fielded a team of 18 runners, including staff and their family members, in Africa’s biggest 10K – the Great    Ethiopian Run. They were among a record 36,000 participants in the 11^th annual 10 kilometer run, which celebrates Ethiopia’s culture and passion for   running. and raises money for charity.

The 10K – which is the equivalent of 6.2 miles - is challenging as Addis Ababa is 10,000 feet above sea level. Runners of all ages and fitness levels take part, with thousands joining in after the registered runners are well on their way.  There were 500 professional athletes and 250 diplomats. It was the second time ITI participated with a team of runners.

It was a real Ethiopian carnival atmosphere along the route through Addis Ababa. There were whistles, singing, dancing, amazing exhibitions, mass applause and cheering. Musicians lined the route, playing traditional songs and other tunes.

The atmosphere lifted my spirits, especially toward the end of the run. As I reached the last one kilometer of the competition, I felt as though we can succeed as well in ending trachoma.

Dr. Menbere Alemu, ITI’s country representative in Ethiopia, said the run allowed her to “check her endurance,” and “strengthen the social bonds of ITI.”

The ITI team ran in part to raise awareness for trachoma control, with banners that said, “Together we run. Together we can eliminate trachoma,” and “We run for a purpose. Eliminate Trachoma from Ethiopia.”

Sani Juhar, the finance and administration manager at ITI Ethiopia, said, “I'm pleased to run to support needy children, and happy to finish with a medal.” Everyone who finishes the full 10 km run gets a medal.

The race was started in 2000 by Ethiopian national hero Haile Gebrselassie, a long-distance track and road athlete who has broken 27 world records, won numerous Olympic and World Championship titles and is widely considered one of the greatest distance runners in history.

More international charities than ever before came to Ethiopia to take part in the run, which took place November 27, 2011. This year’s race raised a record 1 million birr ($58,000 US) for two Ethiopian organizations that provide institutional care for vulnerable children. The fund-raising campaign, called “I’m Running for a Child,” was organized by the United Nations in Ethiopia and the Great Ethiopian Run, a nonprofit organization.