Ethiopians dominate Great Ethiopian Run
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The 11th edition of the Great Ethiopian Run was held here in the capital today with 36,000 participants adorning the streets of Addis.
In a race dominated by Ethiopian elite athletes, a Kenyan has made it to the podium for the second time in the event’s history. Musenet Geremew claimed first place in the men’s race followed by compatriot Yigerem Demissew while Kenyan Nicolas Kimkimoy took the third spot.
Women’s Race
Abebech Afework led an Ethiopian team to take the top three spots, with Tiki Gelana and Atsede Habtamu finishing second and third respectively.
Ayalew Haile is a participant who has taken part in all events of the Great Ethiopian Run thus far. According to him, the fact that medals have come in three colors has created a sense of competition among the participants, bar the elite athletes. “I had to leave my friends behind and dash forward because I know I will only be satisfied in the medal in purpleâ€Â. Medals came in green and yellow colors as well dividing the total number of participants into three.
A good number of participants were told that the medals were all gone albeit they finished the race successfully. Carelessness by the part of those who dispensed the medals is said to be one reason for this unfortunate incident.
Samuel Asfaw who has taken part for a 5th time said he is disappointed that he is heading home empty handed while he saw others grab 3 or more medals. Nevertheless, he said he will consider the idea of bringing along his son to the event come next year.
Organizers should do their best to maintain the reputation of such a huge race by preemptively dealing with such minor hiccups.
We will post the results later on.
