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:

This November, travel with us to Addis Ababa and join runners from around the world at the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, experience Africa’s biggest running event and follow in the footsteps of running legends. Designed especially for international runners looking for a short, inspiring escape, this long race weekend in Addis Ababa blends culture, comfort and adventure with an unforgettable running experience.

Ethiopia isn’t just another destination — it’s the spiritual home of distance running. Addis Ababa, your base throughout your visit to Ethiopia, sits at altitude, surrounded by stunning highland forests, vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and a café culture unlike anywhere else. In just a few days, you’ll discover a city that feels exhilarating, authentic, and welcoming.

Your long weekend in Addis Ababa includes the Saturday morning Entoto Sunrise 3k, a pre-race pasta dinner and post-race lunch at the Hyatt Regency Hotel as well as entry into the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, which with 55,000 competitors dwarfs all other African running events.

Our full Itinerary can be found further down this page.

You can check our blog post from 2024 HERE

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
  • Official Race T-Shirt
  • Experienced UK guides with you every step of the way

What’s not included:

  • Personal Travel Insurance – Essential
  • Ethiopian Visa – need to apply minimum of 14 days in advance
  • Meals / Drinks other than those stated in the itinerary above
  • Single room supplement £295
  • Additional night £195

£2295 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

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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

We have planned for you a short walking tour around Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is at your leisure. If you would like to extend the tour just let one of the team know.

Day 3: Group training session on Entoto Hill

It’s an early start today as we head up to the Entoto Forests above Addis Ababa for the Entoto Sunrise 3k. The transport from the hotel leaves at 5.45am and our guides will meet us at 6.30am to run at your own pace along trails and running routes that are familiar to most of Ethiopia’s world class distance runners. It’s a short run and we’ll transport you back to the hotel in good time for breakfast. You can pick up your race packs for the 10km from the race office which is inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

In the early evening join us for the wonderful pre-race pasta party which is hosted at the Hyatt Regency. It showcases Ethiopia’s unique traditions of music and dancing and provides a great opportunity to meet other international participants.

Day 4: Race Day!

Today is race day for the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km. After breakfast walk out to the race start near Meskel Square. The race starts in two waves with the first wave leaving at 8am and the second at 8.10am. If you are looking for a time – remember Addis Ababa sits at altitude – then you should be in wave one. Wave two is sometimes called the ‘Fun Wave’ and will give you more time to soak up the atmosphere and experience this incredible race. It is still predominantly a local race and less than one per cent of competitors are international runners, so you will certainly stand out in the field!

You can celebrate your run at the post-race lunch at Hyatt Regency with other international guests and runners. The rest of the day is at your leisure

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 midnight.

Day 6: Optional extra day in Addis Ababa

Trip gallery

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Blog Post

Check out our blog for the Great Ethiopian Run weekend

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.

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