Generally I like to start these weekend debriefs in a low key way, just mentioning the long run slog or the local race. But, well, sorry, but yesterday I did the Great Ethiopia Run and went to a party afterwards at Haile Gebrselassie’s house and watched him and Kenenisa Bekele dance while being plied with Jonnie Walker, so, basically, my weekend WINS.
It was my second time at the race, and it’s just as insane, loud, joyous and wonderful as last time. Some 37,000 people, every single one in the same T-shirt (many customised to a degree that might have a fashion student impressed with the ingenuity) and every single one beaming away. No one cares about time (there is no time) and everyone wants to talk to you – when they aren’t singing.
Despite the party atmosphere and even at a very sedate pace it’s not easy - the altititude, heat and hills (god the hills) take care of that. Even the locals go a little quieter after 5K, except to exchange good-natured abuse with people watching in the bars along the route.
Highlights included a mid-race interval session chasing a man who jokingly grabbed my watch and held it up for me to chase after, the young lad who decided I must be “Athlete!? Fast!” (bless him) and tried to clear about 3,434 people out of the way. Good luck with that. Utterly brilliant, the most amazing race you can ever do – if you ever get the opportunity seize it with both hands (and make sure you abandon all ideas of PBs).
Another highlight – the day before – was the children’s races. Almost as bonkers at the start as the main race, with every kid straining at the rope. Children as young as three pegging it around a field at Jan Meda in Addis, just for the sheer joy of running.
So, an utterly brilliant weekend. Um, how was yours?
