A Ten K run is a stern enough task for most. It's sterner still when it is being run at 8000 feet above sea level.
But that is precisely what Irish aid agency GOAL is planning for the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, this coming November.
"The Great Ethiopia Run Challenge" was announced at a reception in Manhattan last week. The reception was also a few feet above sea level - on the 58th floor of World Trade Center 3 to be precise.
The gathering, in the world headquarters of IEX Group, also served as a relaunch of GOAL USA, the U.S. offshoots of an organization that was founded in Ireland in 1977 by sports journalist John O'Shea.
The event heard from leaders of GOAL in the U.S. and also legendary Irish middle distance runner Eamonn Coghlan, the "chairman of the boards."
As well as hearing from the onetime World 5000 meter champion, those in the room were briefed on GOAL USA's future plans by Ronan Ryan, COO and co-founder of stock exchange IEX, Conor Twomey, Head of Strategy for data company KX, and Eamon Sharkey, Executive Director of GOAL USA.
All attending were told that the "Great Ethiopian Run" with GOAL this November will help raise vital funds for GOAL's work with the world's most vulnerable communities.
As stated on the run website "Founded by Ethiopia’s legendary runner Haile Gebrselassie over two decades ago, over 45,000 people now take part annually. Not only will you have the chance to join Africa's largest road race, you'll also have the opportunity to visit GOAL’s field local programs in person."
The run will involve a trip to Ethiopia November 14 -18. The 6.2 mile run is on the 17th.
Added the website: "Beginning in downtown Addis Ababa, you’ll be joined by more than 30,000 other competitors. The run is a challenging 10km (6.2 miles) at 8,000 feet above sea level. Along with some of the world’s most renowned athletes (including Haile Gebrselassie and Richard Nerurkar) there will be a huge variety of runners of all age groups taking part. Soak up the electric atmosphere as thousands of spectators line the streets and millions more watch the event across the globe."
GOAL USA’s Great Ethiopian Run team is aiming to raise $200,000, this to help deliver lifesaving aid to families facing hunger, disease and conflict. More at www.goalus.org/greatrun.
