(APA) ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Over 30,000 people have registered to participate in the annual Great Ethiopian Run (GER) scheduled to be held on 23 November 2008 in Addis Ababa, the organizers reveal here Friday.
This is the eighth time that the race is being organized in Ethiopia, which received international recognition as one of the biggest mass races in the world.
The organizers disclosed that around 32,000 people, comprising local runners, students and the diplomatic community based in Ethiopia have registered to participate in the race.
The race, which covers 10 kilometres, is also expected to attract many international runners from Africa and the other parts of the world.
“An additional 3,000 places are available for children participating in the Children Series for children aged under-8 and under-11. These races will take place on the Saturday morning before the main 10km race the following Sunday,” the organizers said.
Athlete Haile Gebresilassie is the founder of this mass race, which is being regarded as an opportunity to produce local athletes for international competitions.
“The event welcomes runners of all levels and especially visitors from abroad,” GER added.
The race is expected to be broadcast live on many international TV stations, including the main sports channels. Winners and the second and third runners-up will be given awarded prizes.