Africa’s biggest mass participation run brings 40,000 “competitors” onto the streets of Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.
At 2,400 metres above sea level, in the searing heat and with such a packed field this 10k was never going to be about PB’s.
It’s the brainchild of the country’s most famous long distance runner Haile Gebrselassie and is now organised by the same people behind Glasgow’s Great Scottish Run.
Glasgow back in October was supposed to be Haile’s last race but as his sister sadly passed away it was shifted to the Great Ethiopian.
As the masses assembled on the start line early on the Sunday morning all wearing their green and yellow race t-shirts it was an incredible sight to behold.
There are no timing chips, race numbers or anxious runners checking their watches. This is about having fun and soaking up the carnival atmosphere.
I was with a group of work mates and we mostly walked, occasionally jogged because there was just too many people but it didn’t matter.
We took part in impromptu dancing to the music blasted onto the streets by DJ’s, got sprayed as good natured water fights took place and enjoyed taking photographs and just taking our time.
As we made our way through the streets normally bustling with heavy traffic people were smiling, laughing and cheering, their faces, like mine, painted with the colours of the Ethiopian flag, some with their t-shirts customised.
I spotted a group of runners dancing on the steps of a bar; beer glasses aloft and later two men perilously perched on stilts lapping up the attention from the crowd.
We made occasional attempts to run but gave up as side stepping the crowd was more hassle than it was worth.
The finish line approached and there was no need to push out and try and beat the clock.
We timed it well as just as we crossed the line Haile Gabresalassie was on the stage close by presenting the winners.
As my colleague quipped it was a day for “PW’s”- “personal worsts” but I am not embarrassed to say I finished in 1:45:05 as I absolutely loved every minute of it!
Winners:
1st male: Tamirat Tola – 28:44.
1st female: Mamitu Daska – 32:16
