Being in Ethiopia was more rewarding than imaginable and watching the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis, Ababa, was an experience I would not trade for the world.

Jiro took photos throughout the entire race. He captured the energy of everyone in Addis. The city was alive!

I met Ethiopia’s most admired athlete, Haile Gebreselassie. I was welcomed into his home for a post-marathon celebration, filled with dancing, music, food and fun! I realized how truly humbled and appreciative Haile is. My friend, Jiro Mochizzuko, is a professional photographer who has followed Haile’s career. His photographic biography of Haile’s journey  is called,

The Emperor of Long Distance.

Haile had the honor of seeing the book first and announcing its release at the press conference before the race!

Representing Ethiopia, as an Olympian and an advocate for seeing forth the success of his county, the entire city treated Haile like a real celebrity!

With every step, constant cheering and praise followed him.

With the dedication of fans and support of fellow runners, Haile will be hosting a marathon of his own in October of 2013 called the Haile Gebreselassie Run.

The yearly 10K, women’s 5k and children’s run bring people together from every inch of the city and all corners of the world. No matter what, runner finishes the race, with the encouraging words and helping hands of others participating carrying them to the end. Whether it be a professional runner like Haile, or a young child, the participants would not be able to be in the race without the expert planning and seamless execution of event’s coordinating organizations and the associations involved in organizing the people.

Because I’m a Girl was one of the many charities that runners supported. I had an especially moving experience as I watched over 3,500 participants in the Children’s Race.

During the race, it was as though Addis has a heartbeat of its own—with music blaring and people dancing throughout the streets, it was the boys and girls, ages 11 and younger, with painted faces, colorful tee-shirts and enormous smile that brought the city to life!

One cannot image the atmosphere of Addis, or the energy and emotions that come from seeing The Great Ethiopian Race first hand. One thing I can say for sure is, this experience has proven that love and hope are the most powerful tools for helping other.

The people of Ethiopia have a love that is like nothing I have ever seen before.