Great Ethiopian Run, Africa’s largest mass-participation road race, has launched an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at becoming the world’s largest 10-kilometre road race by 2030, following a landmark partnership with Bank of America as the event’s new Presenting Partner.
The announcement marks one of the most significant international partnerships in the event’s 26-year history and signals a new phase of growth focused on increasing participation, expanding youth engagement, strengthening sport tourism and modernising the race experience.
Organisers confirmed that registration for the 2026 Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, scheduled for 22 November, will increase to a record 60,000 participants, while the event’s children’s races will expand to 5,000 primary school participants. In addition, 3,000 free entries will be reserved for graduating secondary school students to broaden youth participation.
The partnership also extends to the Women’s First 5km, held annually around International Women’s Day, where Bank of America will become the Presenting Partner.
Managing Director Dagmawit Amare said the organisation’s long-term ambition extends beyond participation numbers.
“Today marks a new chapter in our journey as we aim to increase the impact of our flagship race in terms of youth opportunity, sport tourism and local enterprise. We are excited by the new possibilities opening up through our partnership with Bank of America and the continued support of our longstanding partners.”
The organisation has set an objective of becoming the world’s largest 10km road race within the next five years, positioning Ethiopia’s flagship mass-participation sporting event among the world’s leading road races.
As part of its modernisation strategy, the 2026 edition will introduce chip timing for a section of participants for the first time in the event’s history, alongside expanded digital registration through the Telebirr platform.
Organisers also announced an expansion of the annual Run For A Cause fundraising programme through the GivenGain online platform, enabling participants to raise funds directly for three Ethiopian beneficiary organisations.
The announcement reflects broader trends in the commercial development of African sport, with international corporations increasingly investing in events that combine community participation, youth development, tourism promotion and social impact.
Since its establishment in 2001, Great Ethiopian Run has organised more than 250 races across Ethiopia and has become one of Africa’s most recognisable sporting events, attracting participants from Ethiopia and around the world while showcasing the country’s global reputation in distance running.
The 2026 race will be held under the theme “My Run, My Color,” highlighting both individual identity and the diversity of participants who gather annually in Addis Ababa.
In addition to Bank of America, this year’s partners include UNICEF, Ethio Telecom, Ethiopian Airlines, the Ministry of Tourism, Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa and several Ethiopian private-sector companies.
