The Great Ethiopian Run is one of biggest long distance (10 km) road events of its kind in Africa. It has become one of the most famous and eagerly awaited annual social gatherings since it began in 2001. In 2010, more than 35,000 people took part in the event. It’s a great chance to interact with the local community and a chance to run with the world’s greatest long-distance athletes of Ethiopia, Kenya, and other countries.
Here is another chance for you to experience the most amazing fun-run event in the world. This year, the Great Ethiopian Run will be held on November 18, 2018. Run, jog, walk, or dance around the 10k course on the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa at 8000 ft. with the locals and meet some of the Olympic champions.
Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours, in collaboration with the organizing committee, would be pleased to book tickets, accommodations, trainings and pre- or post-tours. To make your experience in Ethiopia even more complete, we can combine it with a cultural tour to the Historic Route of Ethiopia or for Omo Valley Tribal Exploration, before or after the event. Below is a suggested tour program:
Suggested travel dates: November 16, 2021, to November 21, 2021
Day 1 — November 16, 2021: Arrive Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport (ADD), you will be welcomed by the staff of Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours and transfered to Yaya Village Resort located in the Sululta Hills. It is owned by the legendary long-distance athlete Haile Gebre Selassie.
Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is situated at 2,500 meters (8000 ft.) above sea level, which makes it the 5th highest capital city in the world. This hospitable and safe city enjoys an excellent climate year-round, with an average temperature of 25C (77F).
With a multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato".
There will be an easy, late afternoon acclimatization training by a professional trainer and a chance to meet with some of Ethiopia's greatest atheletes.
Overnight: Yaya Village Resort
Day 2 — November 17: Addis Ababa, Blue Nile River Gorge, Debre Libanos
Early morning there will be acclimatization training. After breakfast, we will take an excursion to Blue Nile Gorge, often called Ethiopia’s own Grand Canyon, which is 213 km north of Addis Ababa. This majestic and enormous gorge is known for its magnificent physical features and alluring natural beauty. After visiting the gorge, you will drive back to Addis Ababa visiting the Debre Libanos monastery enroute. Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, St. Teklehaimanot.
Before driving back to the resort, we will stop at the Jemma River Gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile with a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below.
We will walk downhill to the 17th century Portuguese Bridge. Here we can expect to see plenty of birdlife including the Banded Barbet, the Black-Headed Forest Oriole, the White-Billed Starling, the Red-Billed Starling, the White-Winged Cliff Chat, the White-Backed Black Tit, White-Cheeked Turaco, and Hemprich's Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia's endemic mammals, the Gelada, or bleeding heart baboon.
In late afternoon, you may chose to relax at the beautiful resort in the spa, by the swimming pool, or by having a relaxing massage. Or, if you feel energetic, take part in late afternoon final training.
Overnight: Yaya Village Resort
Day 3 — November 18: The Great Run
Today is the special day. In the morning, we will drop you at Meskel Square, where the Great Ethiopian Run begins. Here you go….see you at the finish line. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Later in the afternoon, join the legendary at the Pasta Party held at his residence, and enjoy the night with some of the greatest Ethiopian athletes in the world.
Overnight: Yaya Village Resort
Day 4 — November 19: Addis Ababa, Lalibela
In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight to Lalibela.
For the rest of the day, visit some of the most magnificent rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which are often referred to by many as one of the “living wonders” of the world. These churches were carved out of one piece of rock in 1200 AD.
Overnight: Harbe Hotel
Day 5 — November 28: Lalibela, Asheten Mariam
In the morning, mule ride and trek to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery. In the afternoon, visit the second group of rock-hewn churches in the town.
Overnight: Harbe Hotel
Day 6 — November 20: Lalibela, Gonder
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the short flight to Gondar. In the afternoon, you will start your tour of the ancient city of Gondar.
Your tour includes the Royal Enclosure, the pool of King Fasilidas, and the famous Debre Birhan Selassie church.
Overnight: Goha Hotel
Day 7 — November 21: Gondar, Addis Ababa Departure
In the morning, transfer to Gondar airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. For the rest of the day, you will have a city tour of Addis Adbaba, which includes the National Museum where Lucy is housed, the Ethngoraphic Museum, and a visit to Mercato, one of the biggest open-air markets in Africa.
In the evening, there will be a Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours complimentary farewell dinner party, an excellent finale to the trip. At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.
To book your space, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. now. We would be pleased to help you participate in this great event.
Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours would be pleased to book you space on the Great Ethiopian Run, which takes place in Addis Ababa. We can combine the Great Run with other tours before or after the event to make your Ethiopia Experience a complete one. See you at the Great Run, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!
