Great Ethiopian Run fans join virtual event

Great Ethiopian Run fans join virtual event

It is Ethiopia's biggest running event, which attracts around 45,000 participants every year.

But in light of the global lockdown, organizers this year turned to virtual running to keep the spirit of the race alive.

Francis Maguire reports.

Ten-year-old Kiya Daniel and her family take part in an online challenge to run 5 kilometres over a week in Ethiopia.

The virtual competition was put together by organisers of The Great Ethiopian Run, A popular event in a country with a proud running history, But like with other sporting events around the world it was cancelled this year.

"We're not allowed to get out, we're not allowed to touch people, get closer to them, but I really like running and that's why I registered for the run and I really like running and my sister does too." The 10 kilometre run usually attracts around 45,000 people every year.

Knowing its popularity, organisers came up with a virtual event to replace it this year, They built an online running club using a social networking app, challenging people to run five kilometres over the course of a week.

Ermias Ayele is a director of the Great Ethiopian Run.

"This could be the new normal in the future so we want to do something.

We started small.

Normally we organise the biggest running event in Africa, the great Ethiopian run, 10k, is 45,000 runners last year and we were aiming for 46 this year but that could not happen.

You know that is in question now." Kiya’s family may be running alone, but the online camaraderie has made them feel part of a wider sporting community.

Their performance even led to a surprise visit from Ermias, who awarded the family medals for taking part.