In an exclusive interview, we sit down with the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, the founder of the Great Ethiopian Run and Dagmawit Amare, General Manager of the Great Ethiopian Run to discuss their journey and the profound impact of this iconic event on Ethiopia’s running culture and community. Since its inception in 2001, the Great Ethiopian Run has not only become a celebration of athleticism but also a platform for social change, charity, and national pride.
Haile shares the inspiration behind establishing this prestigious race following his Olympic success and reflects on how his vision has evolved over the years. He emphasizes the importance of running as a cultural cornerstone in Ethiopia, highlighting its role in uniting people and fostering future generations of athletes.
As we explore the race’s contributions to local communities, Haile discusses the significant funds raised for charitable causes and the challenges faced in organizing such a large-scale event over the past two decades. Furthermore, he touches on initiatives aimed at environmental conservation integrated into the run, underlining the event’s commitment to sustainability.
Dagmawit also provides insights into the operational growth of the event and its economic contributions to the country. Together, they paint a picture of how this annual race has transformed not just into a competition but into a vital part of Ethiopia’s identity and a beacon of hope for many. Excerpts;
Capital: What inspired you to establish the Great Ethiopian Run, and how has your vision evolved over the years?
Haile Gebrselassie: The reason we started the race came after I won the 10,000m race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After the Olympics, the organizers of the world’s largest half-marathon called Great North Run asked me to participate in their half-marathon race. I announced that I would participate in the race, but I also said that I wanted to organize this race in Ethiopia. They accepted my request and in 2001 the first Great Ethiopian Run was held in Addis Ababa.
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