The worthy Ethiopian Run is Africa’s biggest fun run. It’s colourful and chaotic,and there’s no better way to see the capital Addis Ababa Addis Ababa is not a city that naturally lends itself to running. The potholes are deep. The traffic is hectic. Street corners are makeshift markets. And throughout the city, buildings, and roadways and train lines spring up nearly overnight,like mushrooms. Yet here I am, one of 40000 people, or my face painted with the colours of the Ethiopian flag,laughing and dancing and jogging through the streets as share of the biggest race in Africa.
There are few phrases treated with such scorn in the running world as “fun run”. They are for beginners and are not worth travelling halfway around the world for. But if one event can reclaim the phrase, it’s the worthy Ethiopian Run. Founded by Haile Gebrselassie, and the greatest distance runner of all time and a national hero,it’s a 10km race through the heart of this bustling, fascinating city.
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Source: theguardian.com