Land of Runners (Run the Crater) – Ethiopic Running Experience

10 days

Duration

8/10

Physicality

Addis Ababa, Arsi Highlands, Great Rift Valley, Wenchi Lake

Location

TBD

Dates

SUMMARY	Run the Wenchi Lake Trail race and explore Ethiopia on foot as we jog through the Land of Runners. The Land of Runners itinerary is designed to give a glimpse of the real Ethiopia. The usual tourist destinations will not be found on this itinerary, but during our jaunt through the land of runners, you will, literally, run in the footsteps of champions – both past and future. The tour will bring you through the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley and into Arsi Highlands, which has produced the best runners ever to lace up a pair of spikes, including: the Dibaba sisters, Keninisa Bekele, Derartu Tulu, Meseret Defar, and the great Haile Gebreselassie.
DATES	TBD
COST	$1,900 per person *Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation and refund policy
INCLUDED	Advice on flight booking, packing, and thoughtful consideration and timely responses to any and all concerns you might have Race registration fee and race pack Accommodation and meals All in country transportation Guided training and orientation on highland running Refreshments during the race All entrance fees for all the touristic sites in the package Beer (within reason)
NOT INCLUDED	Liquor Tips Travel Insurance Personal purchases/souvenirs Travel to and from Ethiopia
OPTIONAL UPGRADES AND EXTENSIONS	Single room: $300
GROUP SIZE	Individuals and large groups are welcome
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS	US citizens require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The visa costs $50 and can be easily obtained upon arrival in Addis Ababa.
CONTACT	For inquiries about the race package and next year’s race feel free to contact Drew Gamble at Drew@EthiopicRunning.com with any questions!

Wenchi Lake Trail Ultra-marathon

Highlights

Wenchi Lake Trail Ultra-marathon
Workout with up-and-coming elite runners in Bekoji (birthplace of the Dibabas, Keninisa, and many others)
Exceptional scenery
Fantastic lakeside birding
Wildlife – Hippos, Warthogs, Ostriches, Greater and Lesser Kudu, Nyala, and more!
Island monasteries and history of the Arc of the Covenant
Hot Springs
Tiya stelaes (UNESCO world heritage site)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Orientation to Ethiopia Arrive and stay the night in Addis Ababa, while being briefed on the week’s activities.

Day 2: Drive to Woliso and visit Wenchi Lake Drive the 150 km to Lake Wenchi to meet up with the community tourism group that operates activities at Wenchi. Descend to the crater lake on horseback or by foot and take a short boat ride to visit the island’s monastery. Pre-race pasta party and spend the night at Negash Resort.

Day 3: RACE DAY Wenchi Lake Trail Ultra RACE DAY! Following the race in the morning, spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying a post-race picnic at the lake and return to Negash Resort for the night. 50 km race.

Day 4: Recovery DayWake up slow, as you recover from your race. We will drive back into Addis and stay at the Yaya Village Hotel and Training Center.

Day 5: Dhera Dilfekar Park and Bekoji On our way to Assela, we will explore the abundant wildlife in the Acacia forest of Dhera Dilfekar Park. Following the park, we will drive a little further and spend the rest of the day in Bekoji

Day 6: Bekoji Training Day At least 100 runners flood the streets and surrounding forests of Bekoji every morning in pursuit of their running dreams. You will make it 101, as you experience a day in the life of an aspiring Ethiopian athlete. In the afternoon, we will head out to the rift valley city of Hawassa. Workout with Bekoji runners – distance varies

Day 7: Hawassa Day Run around the Hawassa lakeside and explore the city. Guests will be able to choose between market tours (fish market), lake tours, or just drinking their favorite local beer, while indulging in the catch of the day. In the afternoon we will depart for Langano. Easy run around lake, followed by relaxation.

Day 8: Lake Langano Vist Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park. Relax at Simbo Resort and go on an optional evening run or hike to overlook for a picturesque sunset.

Day 9: Return to Addis We will travel back to Addis Ababa, to rest and maybe get some shopping and catch a cultural show.

Day 10: Entoto and Departure A morning visit to the mountain to the immediate north of the city, we’ll get a final run before departure. Some of the top Ethiopian athletes can be found zigzagging through the Eucalyptus forest and founding spot of Addis Ababa. 5-10 mile in the forest.

*Please contact Drew Gamble (Drew@EthiopicRunning.com) if you need support arranging your travel or would like to customize your experience.