Addis Ababa–Great Ethiopian Run launched the 14th edition of its annual WOMEN FIRST 5km at Capital Hotel and Spain, Addis Ababa. The title sponsor of this year’s run is the UN Ethiopia. The UN Ethiopia is using the 2017 women first Run to promote the theme “Because She Can” to celebrate women’s achievement, courage and strength.
The UN 2017 Women First 5km is planned for Sunday March 12, 2017 and a total of 11,000 Participants are expected to take part.
Ms. Letty Chiwara, UN women Representative to Ethiopia, African Union Commission (AUC) & United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) while delivering the remark from Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie said that, “As we mark the international Women’s Day, we should acknowledge a woman’s contribution to her family, society and country. We need to duly recognize her resilience and struggle to challenge prejudice and status quo to create a better and fair world.”
Ms. Letty Chiwara also noted that, “because she can, she should be given equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making. It is my firm conviction that events like this race provide a platform for amplifying our messages and drive action towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
On the launching ceremony the Good will Ambassador of this race, athlete Meseret Defar announced that she has set a 35 Minute challenge for all the participants of the run. She remarked, “for many of you it will be a big challenge. But if you work hard with commitment and give it of your best you can do it!” Participants finishing the race under 35 minutes in addition to the finisher’s medal will receive a certificate especially signed by athlete Meseret Defar.
Dagmawit Amare, Great Ethiopian Run Strategic and Innovation Manager, said “the women first 5km started with a number of 4,000 participants 13 years ago and now has reached 11,000. This number can even grow bigger in the future. The event has grown a lot not only in terms of number but also in terms of developing various interesting and colorful activities.”
Official registration of the race will start on February 8, 2017. All interested are invited to come and get registered at Enak Bank (Abebech Gobena branch – Megenagna; Etege Tayetu branch- Kazanchis; Derartu Tulu branch – Mexico; Merry Armede branch – Addisu Gebeya) and at Capital Hotel and Spa around 22 Mazoria.