The Great Ethiopian Run

Africa’s biggest running event is a party, a carnival, and a 10k event, all rolled into one.
Duration:
4 nights
Location:
Ethiopia
Difficulty:
Easy

About this trip:

We are specialists in bespoke private tours. Just contact us if you would like to discuss.

Travel with us to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and participate in the Great Ethiopian Run,  an exhilarating experience that combines adventure, culture, and athletic challenge. As Africa’s highest capital city, Addis Ababa offers a unique backdrop for this iconic 10k race, attracting runners from around the globe. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its rich history and hospitable people, sets the stage for an unforgettable event. You can expect to be welcomed by enthusiastic locals and fellow runners, all sharing a common passion for fitness and the awesome carnival atmosphere.

The Great Ethiopian Run itself is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of Ethiopian culture and community spirit. The route winds through the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, offering glimpses of its diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. With live music, traditional dance performances, and cheering crowds lining the course, the event is as much a festive parade as it is a competitive run. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a casual runner, taking part in the Great Ethiopian Run provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Ethiopia while achieving personal fitness goals.

What’s included in our trip:

  • Return flights To Addis Ababa
  • Airport transfers
  • All training runs noted in the itinerary including transport
  • Hotel accommodation (B&B) at the five-star Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
  • Excursions noted in the itinerary
  • Half-day city tour of Addis Ababa
  • VIP pass for post run celebrations
  • Lunch at the home of Haile Gebrselassie
  • Official Race T-Shirt
  • Experienced UK guides with you every step of the way

What’s not included:

  • Personal Travel Insurance – Essential
  • Ethiopian Visa (can be purchased on arrival at Bole Airport)
  • Meals / Drinks other than those stated in the itinerary above
  • Single room supplement £295
  • Additional night £195

£2075 including flights

We believe in affordable adventure. That’s why you can pay for all of our trips on monthly direct debit.
Dates and Availability

View Event Terms & Conditions.

Available Booking Dates

The Great Ethiopian Run trip itinerary

Day 1: Fly from London to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Arrive in Addis, and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Hotel for dinner and drinks

Day 2: Enjoy Africa's highest city of Addis Ababa

Half-day tour of the city beginning with a visit to the National Museum, home to the famous fossilized remains of “Lucy,” one of the oldest and most complete hominid skeletons ever discovered. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia’s ancient past and its pivotal role in human evolution.

Next, a stop at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a stunning example of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

And then on to Entoto Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and a chance to visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church.

Wrapping up the tour, a stroll through the bustling Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, allows visitors to experience the vibrant local commerce and pick up unique souvenirs, making it a perfect finale to a captivating half-day exploration of Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Group training session on Entoto Hill

Training session led by professional instructors in the forests above Adis Ababa.

Followed by the pre-race pasta party at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. You will also get to hear some traditional Ethiopian music and dance, see a traditional coffee ceremony and get to meet the great Haile Gebreselassie himself!

Day 4: Race Day!

Transfer to the pre-race party at the start line. This promises to be an unforgettable experience. Celebrated as one of the liveliest and most colourful races in the world, it’s Ethiopia’s biggest street party, with over 45,000 Ethiopians running, walking, and dancing along the route, led by the nation’s renowned international runners.

Post-race lunch

And an afternoon and evening of celebration

Day 5: Day of leisure before flying home

Free time to spend as you please, maybe recover a little from the party the day before!

Flight back to the UK scheduled for 10 pm.

Day 6: Optional extra day in Addis Ababa

Trip gallery

 
 
 
1
1

Trip downloads

Here you’ll find important additional trip supporting documents.

Kit list

Kind words from fellow adventurers

“The experience was something i’ll never forget!”

Me and some friends took part in the National 3 Peaks Challenge and from start to finish Martyn and the team were professional, laid out exactly what was going to happen and were always on hand to help with any questions. The experience was something i’ll never forget. I would recommend Advocate Events to anyone partaking in such activities.

Darren.B + 3 Peaks Challenge

“I cannot praise them highly enough!”

I’ve participated in three challenges with Advocate Events: a Snowdon climb, the National 3 Peaks, and the Irish Peaks. Each event was impeccably organized, thanks to Martyn, Jo, and their team. Their communication, professionalism, and meticulous planning ensured I felt safe and supported throughout. I highly recommend Advocate Events for anyone seeking similar adventures!

Sarah.C + 3 Peaks – Snowden – Irish Twin Peaks

“… an absolute professional as well as a fantastic motivator ..”

I’ve worked with Martyn on two corporate challenge events for charity. On both occasions he was an absolute professional as well as a fantastic motivator and a calming presence during the tumultuous exercise of garnering the team, raising the money and doing the actual challenge!

I would highly recommend Martyn and Advocate Events for anyone looking to do a successful challenge event.

Celeste.G + Charity and corporate events

“Everything about the whole thing was brilliant and such an enjoyable experience”

Thank you so much for organising a superb event. Everything about the whole thing was brilliant and such an enjoyable experience. Enjoyed every conversation we had before we met and it was great that we all got on so well with the great banter on the bus. Really want to do something else now so I’m sure we will meet again.

Ben.J + 5 Peaks Challenge

“I thank you and Advocate events for a trip of a life time!”

Truly a remarkable experience for this challenging event. Cannot begin to describe the way you feel when you are actually starting the climb through the rainforest. Seeing so much wonderful natural vegetation and the way of life of the people living and farming. The moorlands then become more barren and the ever changing weather conditions rising above the clouds. The alpine desert onwards and upwards is harsh. The climb to the summit will be ingrained in my memory forever. The Rama and teamraha were unreal – such a happy group of people who worked continuously day and night. Very professional – knew our group inside out and got us to the summit – INCREDIBLE! Martyn – I felt safe, looked after like a queen and I thank you and Advocate events for a trip of a life time !

Lavinia.L + Kilimanjaro

Frequently asked questions…

Do I need a visa for Ethiopia?

Most international visitors do need a visa to enter Ethiopia and many foreign visitors can apply for an e-visa before travelling to Ethiopia. Check if you need a visa on the Ethiopian Embassy website 

Do most people speak English?

Amharic is the most commonly spoken language in Ethiopia. English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants in Addis Ababa and in most hotels and restaurants used by foreigners throughout the country.

Will I need to be concerned with the altitude?

Addis Ababa is situated at 2,300m -2,400m, or 7,000-7,500 feet which is considered to be a reasonably high altitude when you’re talking about doing any strenuous physical activity. So it will be unusual if you don’t feel the altitude, and particularly if you’re climbing stairs or walking briskly uphill. That said, any reasonably fit person should not be concerned about completing the 10km run. You can take it at your own pace, and there will be many others going more slowly than you. It is a party and a run after all!

Any chance of getting a photo with Haile Gebrselassie?

Your best chance of doing this will be at the official pre-race pasta party, entry for which is included in this itinerary.

Have more questions?

We would love to hear from you. Just give us a call or drop us an email, we have real humans always on hand to help.

Why book your next adventure with us?

Your experience is our mission. We offer unique adventure tours and events that cater to the specific needs of individuals and small groups, corporate clients, and charities. Everyone who works with us is fully qualified, paid fairly for the work they do and treated with respect and kindness.

We use local services and people in every possible instance to ensure that we create maximum benefit for the communities in the regions we visit. And above all, you and your group will make memories that will last a lifetime.

20+ years adventure
organisation experience

Full liability &
financial protection

Great team of liked
minded supportive staff

All activities are
fully risk assessed

Full liability &
financial protection

1000’s of happy
adventuring clients!