The Safaricom Great Arba Minch Run returned for its third edition this year with organisers positioning the event as a driver of tourism for Southern Ethiopia.
The race is part of the Discover Ethiopia Classics initiative, organised by Great Ethiopian Run, which combines road running with destination experiences to promote tourism beyond Ethiopia’s traditional northern circuit.
Activities included hikes through the Dorze Highlands, visits to Ajora Falls, cultural experiences with local communities and excursions to Lake Chamo.
Tourism authorities used the event to promote Arba Minch as a destination, highlighting the region’s more than 32 ethnic communities and its natural and cultural attractions.
The tourism offering is also supported by Olympic Champion and Race Founder Haile Gebrselassie whose Haile Resort overlooks Abaya and Chamo lakes.
This year’s event incorporated an environmental focus developed with German development agency GIZ under the theme Healthy Landscape for a Healthy Life. Community tree planting and clean-up campaigns were held ahead of the race to support conservation efforts in the Gamo Zone.
The 2026 Discover Ethiopia Classics series concludes in Harar on July 19.
