Ethiopia is home to some of the greatest long-distance athletes in the world. The country has over the years continued to churn out world-record breakers in both the middle and long-distance races.

The world has for long been entertained by the pulsating speed and stamina of Ethiopian athletes, be it at the Olympic Games or global city marathon circuits. Moreover, the rivalry between Kenya and Ethiopia in the middle and long-distance races has captured the imagination and attention of a global audience.

Ethiopia hosts a variety of sporting events, including high-altitude running races, football, and the Ethiopian Women’s Higher League:

Great Ethiopian Run: An annual 10 km road race in Addis Ababa that attracts over 40,000 participants.

Ethio trail: A trail running race in Abijatta-Shala National Park.

Ethiopian Women’s Higher League: A soccer league for women in Ethiopia.

African Nations Cup: A football tournament that Ethiopia hosted in 1962.

Ethiopia is known for its long-distance running and has produced many world-class champions, including Haile Gebrselassie. Ethiopia also has a traditional sport called Genna, which is believed to have been invented in the first centuries AD.