Land of Runners (Ethiotrail)

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 Rift Valley lakes Depart Addis Ababa early in the morning south towards Lake Ziway and take a boat ride en route to the historic Tulu Gudo Island. The island inhabitants, the Zay community, ancient protectors of the ark, will greet you in the Zay language, which is only spoken on this island. Following the morning tour, relaxation at a beach resort just south of Ziway will provide a contrast that is uniquely Ethiopic. Optional evening run around Langano 4-6 miles

Day 3: Abijatta Shalla National Park and Langano Next to Ziway and Langano are the other two rift valley lakes – Abijatta and Shalla – a national park and home of 10,000 resident flamingos. We will run and visit the park in the morning. After the park, we will relax at Simbo Resort, or you can swim, hike, ride a horse or play games. Regardless, everyone is invited to the pre-race pasta party and briefing. Optional 3-7.5 mile morning run

Day 4: RACE DAY We’ll shuttle you to the start line early in the morning, and you will begin the race, which winds through the picturesque Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park. Following the race, their will be a BBQ and we will relax/recover the rest of the day at Simbo Resort

Day 5: 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 Bekoji. Easy run around lake, followed by relaxation.

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. Workout with Bekoji runners – distance varies.

Day 7: Dilfekar Park, Sodere Hot Springs, and Adama Departing Bekoji in the morning, we’ll head to Dhera Park – an Acacia forest teeming with kudu, warthogs, and other wildlife. We’ll descend downhill, running alongside wildlife then zigzagging through irrigation fields. Finally, a porter will escort us across the Awash River to our final oasis destination, the Sodere Hot Springs. 10 mile downhill run or hike

Day 8: Yaya Village We will travel back to Addis Ababa, and spend the day at the Yaya Village Hotel and Training Facility. Here you can relax by the pool, use the gym, or go on a run with some of Ethiopia’s elite athletes. Rest or run.

Day 9: Menagesha Suba and Born Free First drive to Menagesha Suba National Forest for a guided run through the oldest forest reserve in Africa (established in the mid-15th century by Emperor Zara Yacob). After the run, which will feature a waterfall and sitings of the large mammals that live in the forest, visit the Born Free Sanctuary. The Born Free Santuary is also a protected area that supports wildlife, such as the Menelik Bushbuck, but there are also wild animals that have been rescued, including the Ethiopian black-maned lion.

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

*It should be noted that the itinerary only includes the race and pre-/post-race travel plans should be arranged by the traveler. If flying from abroad, you will need to arrive on August 5, in order to make the bus to go to the race. Please contact Drew Gamble (Drew@EthiopicRunning.com) if you need support arranging your travel.

Tour Route:

7.5 Mile:

Half Marathon:

Marathon: