2011 Choice WOMEN FIRST 5km to take place next month

Addis Ababa –The 8th edition of the CHOICE Women First 5km will take place here on Sunday March 13, 2011, said Great Ethiopian Run, the race organizer.

The race starts and finishes near Atlas Hotel.

The race is the second biggest event organized by Great Ethiopia Run next to its flagship the international 10km road race held here in the capital every year in November.

When the race was first held in 2004, 5,000 female runners took part. This year that number is expected to reach 9,000.

The race has become a stepping stone for many upcoming female athletes in Ethiopia. Aselefech Mergia, who won the race twice in 2007 and 2009, became the bronze medalist at 2009 World Championship Marathon and won the Dubai Marathon this year.

Apart from being a great athletic competition, the race also serves as a platform to promote women-related social issues.

This year’s messages are:

  • Family Planning with Choice – Dkt Ethiopia
  • Narrow the Gap Meet the Goals: Leave No Woman Behind – UN
  • Equal Education to all: a gate way to economic independence for women – Concern Worldwide

Registration opened on February 14, 2011 at the following centers: Dembel Building, Edna Mall, Mulugeta Zeleke Building, Wabe Shebelle Hotel and Alem Cinema.