Great Ethiopian Run Honored with World Athletics Heritage Plaque

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Great Ethiopian Run received the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque during a ceremony at the National Museum of Ethiopia on Thursday, November 20. This award, presented in the ‘Competition’ category, recognizes the race’s significant contribution to athletics and its promotion of various discipline such as road racing.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie and the race’s founder, Haile Gebrselassie. The plaque will be displayed alongside the Imperial Throne of Emperor Haile Selassie and a collection of historic crowns within the museum.

This year marks the silver jubilee edition of the annual race, set for November 23, 2025. Notable attendees included renowned athletes like Daniel Komen, a former 5,000m world champion, and Moses Tanui, an Olympic gold medalist, alongside Khalid Khannouchi, a record-breaking marathon runner.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe commended the Great Ethiopian Run as a landmark event in African sports history. He stated that over the last 25 years, the race organization has hosted more than 200 running events throughout Ethiopia, attracting around 45,000 participants annually.

Mayor Abiebie expressed pride in receiving the plaque for the city, highlighting Ethiopia’s rich heritage in running. She praised the transformation of the Great Ethiopian Run into a celebrated international event and mentioned plans to attract even more visitors in the future.

In response to the award, Gebrselassie noted, “This award is a big honour for our race and for Ethiopia,” thanking World Athletics for their acknowledgment. He highlighted the plaque’s significance as it will be featured in a prominent location of national heritage.

The ceremony also marked the unveiling of a second plaque honoring Abebe Bikila, Ethiopia’s iconic marathon champion, further solidifying the nation’s legacy in the world of athletics.

The Great Ethiopian Run, described as “Africa’s greatest sporting street party,” began after Gebrselassie’s remarkable victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His vision of a mass participation event has changed the perception of running within the country, fostering a culture of health and community spirit.

As Gebrselassie emphasized, “Running is part of human life,” reflecting the deep connection between athletics and Ethiopian culture.