23.12.12 Athletics Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <%d>.<%!m>.<%y>  Photographs: Reuters/Paul Gains the little and large show eye witness: ’s race weekend in has grown arms and legs since it began in 2001, with tots to world beaters taking part. Paul Gains joins the carnival

n his wildest dreams, Haile an important race for me,” she said. “The Gebrselassie never imagined course was tough and the competitors the race he founded 11 years were strong. The weather was also a chal- ago would become Africa’s lenge. In the last kilometre I was scared largest mass-participation to lose. I am used to running longer running event. The man known distances. I came here after the Berlin as the Little Emperor fired the Marathon so this is a short race for me.” starter’s pistol for the 2001 Great Long after the winners received their Ethiopian Run, then jumped awards from Gebrselassie, naturally, into the fray to become the first winner. runners, wearing identical green and red I There were 10,000 runners registered t-shirts, were still crossing the finish line. that day, along with thousands more Many had stopped en route for drinks “bandits”, who didn’t sign up. at the numerous bars along the course. Driven by his enthusiasm, the Some had mingled with spectators too. 2012 edition set off last month from The road was littered with empty water Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square with bags at the many refreshment stations. more than 36,500 eager participants. The international component is Gebrselassie could hardly contain limited to large numbers of charity his pride. groups. After all, which international “What I expected was a normal elite runners want to tackle the Ethio- race, a race that is organised by the pians on their home soil? Irish Olympic Ethiopians, nothing else,” he says medallist John Treacy’s “Concern”, a of the prestigious 10-kilometre worldwide humanitarian charity, is one event that winds through the hilly prominent group. The 2012 race raised streets of the Ethiopian capital. $72,000 to combat child poverty, adding “We started small and thanks go to the $170,000 raised from 2005 to 2011. especially to Newcastle’s Great Scottish representation included North Run organisers. They helped this event. I am really happy now. We are very close to the big international events like the London Marathon and the New York Marathon.” Gebrselassie befriended You never know Brendan Foster whose company, Nova International, organises ‘‘who is going to win. the series across the UK. Along with former British Sometimes it is an international marathoner unknown athlete Richard Nerurkar and a local organising committee, they helped launch the 21-year-old Rob Simpson of Aberdeen- annual event a year after shire whose victory at the Balmoral 15km Gebrselassie won his second trail race earned him a trip to Addis. Olympic 10,000m gold medal Admitting he was extremely nervous in in Sydney. the days leading up to the race, the Scot- The race, with its carnival tish Rural University College student atmosphere, has become thoroughly enjoyed the experience. one of the country’s biggest spectacles. “There were 36,000 people running and Gebrselassie is everywhere – speaking so many of them are really good,” he said at a press conference, posing for pictures with a huge grin after finishing in the at the international pasta dinner on the middle of the field. “The people on the eve of the race and always available to course were amazing, shouting the name fulfil the numerous inter- of the country and cheering you on. view requests. “Even the runners were really good. On the day preceding “Because I am a Girl”, an organisation the masses. In previous years their pres- world champions, Olympic champions, When there’s a headwind they are the main event, more which seeks to empower girls, the ence at the start had caused a safety world record holders. Every year telling you to tuck in behind them. than 3500 children, races are an opportunity to sow concern with thousands wanting to you never know who is going to win. They would run with you and pull you aged three to 11, the seeds for future generations. sprint ahead of their heroes. Sometimes it is an unknown athlete. along. They would run in a friendly way contested distances The kids warmed up by dancing to Gebrselassie says the race has launched Like last year nobody expected Musnet rather than just trying to beat you. It was from 500 metres to Ethiopian music blaring from the stage the international careers of nearly all Geremew to win and now he is an inter- really good.” 1500 metres at the in the middle of the field. Gebrselassie the country’s Olympic champions. national athlete.” the course record of 28:37. The times Simpson was among the 50 or so Jan Meda race served as the official starter. “This is a very good opportunity This year’s event was no less reflect the difficulty of the course. The weather conditions – 24˚ celsius with international guests invited back to track, the site of Race day itself begins as the sun rises for those who don’t have races competitive, with the 2012 Berlin Addis lies at 7500 feet (2300m) elevation no clouds – also exacts a toll. Perhaps Gebrselassie’s home for a post-race ’s national with thousands warming up on the steps outside Ethiopia,” he says. “This is an Marathon champion, , and despite Gebrselassie’s encouraging for this reason Gebrselassie’s advice plishments for an Ethiopian athlete. luncheon. The lasting impression c r o s s - c o u n t r y of Meskel Square. The 500 elite runners international race. Just by participating winning the women’s race in a time words at the pre-event press confer- to foreign runners was to stay behind Kebede said as much when she was will likely ensure a larger overseas championships. are nowhere to be seen, however. They in the GER they have a chance of 33:27, while world junior 5000m ence that “the course is not difficult, we the Ethiopians. mobbed by the national press corps after contingent signs on for the 2013 Backed by Plan are given a 10-minute head start at a to race outside Ethiopia. Many of record holder have taken out two large hills”, the race Winning the Great Ethiopian Run her victory. edition. But nobody will expect to beat International’s point around the corner, out of sight of our past participants have become won the men’s race, equalling is not designed to elicit superfast times. is one of the more prestigious accom- “Of course I am very proud as this is the Ethiopians.