Ethiopia is the running country. From the legendary barefoot runner Abebe Bikila, who won Olympic gold medals at the 1960 and 1964 marathon through to the charismatic Haile Gebrselassie, who set 27 world records over various distances in his career, Ethiopia and its athletes have been synonymous with long distance running for over 50 years. What is it about the country that makes it such a special place for running? This is your chance to find out. On this wonderful 7-day running trip you'll h…
Ethiopia is the running country. From the legendary barefoot runner Abebe Bikila, who won Olympic gold medals at the 1960 and 1964 marathon through to the charismatic Haile Gebrselassie, who set 27 world records over various distances in his career, Ethiopia and its athletes have been synonymous with long distance running for over 50 years.
What is it about the country that makes it such a special place for running? This is your chance to find out. On this wonderful 7-day running trip you'll have the chance to train in the eucalyptus forests above Addis Ababa, where the likes of Haile and Kenenisa Bekele established their world-class reputations, visit the 'town of runners' in the Arsi Highlands, the birthplace of Deratu Tulu and the Dibaba sisters and stay in the Haile's own resort hotel near Lake Howassa.
On most days you'll have the chance to to run - at your own pace - with local guides and runners while also taking in some of the key tourist sites of Addis Ababa, the Arsi Highlands and the Lake Howassa areas. The whole trip culminates with your chance to take part Africa's biggest road race, the Great Ethiopian Run International 10K where you can race around the streets of Addis Ababa brushing shoulders with an array of Ethiopia's world-famous athletes.
Race entry is included in the package along with the pre-race banquet on Saturday night and the post-race lunch, both hosted by Haile Gebrselassie.
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Tegen HotelÂ
The Tegen Hotel Hotel is a rare pearl; an oasis, a refuge from the hustle, bustle and heat of Addis Ababa. Set on a hillside with spectacular panoramic views across the city, Tegen is a sanctuary of comfort, beauty and peace where service and quality are the watch-words.
Tegen is special because it reflects the characters of its owners, Mulatu and Karin Belachew. Mulatu has traveled the world extensively while serving various Christian development agencies. His international Management experience ensures the highest standards at Tegen. Karin's Swedish eye for design and beauty can be seen in the crisp furnishings and minimalist touches of the interior, and in the exquisitely tended gardens, bursting with texture and colour.
The hotel is smoke and alcohol free, all the rooms have private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and TVs and hair dryers and the hotet's restaurant and bakery serve a variety of Ethiopian and European dishes.Â
Haile Resort Hawassa
Haile Resort is a 4-star luxury hotel which looks out over Lake Hawassa. it is owned by Ethiopian running legend, Haile Gebrelassie's, and was the first hotel in his rapidly expanding hospitality business. The hotel has 126 rooms all with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies, luxury beds, high-speed Wi-Fi and satellite TV.Â
The hotet's eight food outlets and resturants serve a variety of delicious international and local cuisine. Its leisure facilities include a well appointed gym, swimming pools, a basketball court, tennis courts and a steam and sauna room.Â
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Hyatt Regency, Addis Ababa
The Hyatt Regency is one of the finest hotels in Ethiopia. Centrally located on Meskel Square, it is 15 minutes from Bole International airport and a short walk from the UN Conference Centre and most key government buildings and offices.Â
It has 188 well-appointed guestrooms, including twelve Regency Suites and a Royal Presidential Suite of 450 square metres. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. The hotel's facilities include include a number of dining rooms, a swimming pool, fitnes centre and spa.Â
MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER:
Depart from London Heathrow at 20:15 on your Ethiopian Airlines overnight flight to Addis Ababa.Â
TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER:
Your flight arrives in Addis Ababa at 07:00; transfer to Tegen hotel; breakfast, rest, light run in the afternoon
WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER:
Training run at Entoto, the forests above Addis, followed by a guided sightseeing excursion in Addis Ababa. Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian Restaurant
THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBERÂ
Travel to Bekoji (170 miles south of Addis) in the Arsi Highlands. Train in the afternoon and stay overnight at a local hotel.
FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER:
Morning training and meet with local athletes and Coach Sentayehu. Travel to Hawassa and stay at Haile Resort on shores of Lake Hawassa.
SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER:
Light early morning training run. Return to Addis Ababa via Lake Langano. Check-in to the Hyatt Hotel in the centre of Addis; evening pasta party hosted by Haile Gebrsellasie at Hyatt Hotel with other international participants
SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER:
Participate in the 2023 Great Ethiopian Run International 10km followed by lunch in the hotel, the rest of the day at leisure
MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER:
Transfer to airport for Ethiopian Airlines flight back to London Heathrow. The flight leaves Addis Adaba at 0900 and arrived arriving in London at 14:00 on Monday afternoon.Â
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PRICES PER PERSON IN £ | TWIN ROOM | SINGLE ROOM |
6-NIGHTS | £1699 |  £1849 |
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Twin means two people sharing a room either a single king bed (double) or two beds (twin). Single means sole use of the room.
Deposit £600 per personÂ
Final Balance payment is due 10 weeks before departure - full payment is due at time of booking if booking within 10 weeks of departure.
What’s included in your tour price:
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com