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The Global Impact of Running: A New Era for Great Ethiopian Run

In a monumental move for the world of endurance sports, Bank of America has joined forces with the Great Ethiopian Run, committing to a multi-year partnership that will serve as the Presenting Partner starting in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting running as a lifestyle across Ethiopia, particularly targeting the youth and women's segments of the population.

The Great Ethiopian Run, renowned for its vibrant running culture, is a focal point for community engagement and sporting excellence in Ethiopia. As the country’s foremost mass-participation running event manager, it has contributed significantly to the local economy and tourism. The new partnership aims to enhance these contributions by expanding the accessibility of running events for children and young adults.

Elevating Community Engagement

Bank of America's initiative is rooted in a community-centric philosophy, aiming to inspire and uplift the next generation through sport. Dagmawit Amare, the General Manager at Great Ethiopian Run, expressed her enthusiasm about this partnership, noting the shared vision of fostering a healthy lifestyle among Ethiopian youth. The collaboration promises to amplify the visibility of major running events, including the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, the Children’s Races, and the newly introduced Women First 5km set to launch in 2027.

One of the central goals of this partnership is to significantly boost participation rates in these flagship events. With the upcoming 25th anniversary race anticipated to attract approximately 50,000 runners, the initiative seeks to broaden participation, particularly encouraging local youth to engage in athletics.

Economic and Cultural Benefits

The partnership between Bank of America and Great Ethiopian Run is poised to yield economic benefits for Addis Ababa and the surrounding regions. The run draws thousands of international visitors each year, providing a substantial economic boost to local businesses and tourism. By promoting running events, the partnership aims to create job opportunities, share resources, and enhance local enterprises, ultimately fostering a robust running community.

According to Brad Ross, Head of Global Marketing Partnerships at Bank of America, the organization recognizes the power of sport to unite communities and inspire future generations. He emphasizes that their collaboration with Great Ethiopian Run is not just about increasing participation but about empowering youth through sporting excellence, thus reinforcing a positive culture around athletics in Ethiopia.

Technology Meets Tradition

As part of this partnership, Bank of America will provide essential resources and expertise in endurance sports. This includes modernizing race operations through innovative technology, which will streamline event management and enhance the overall runner experience. With an aim to solidify the Great Ethiopian Run as a leading global running event, this commitment will ensure its sustainability and cultural significance in the years to come.

Bank of America's involvement in this arena is not unprecedented; the institution also sponsors top-tier marathons like the Boston and Chicago Marathons, which collectively generate significant economic activity and charitable contributions. By applying similar practices and resources to support the Great Ethiopian Run, Bank of America is not only fostering local talent but also reinforcing its global standing as a leader in financial services and a devoted partner in regional sports development.

A Vision for the Future

As the Great Ethiopian Run continues to build its reputation on a global stage, the partnership holds the promise of making running accessible to everyone, irrespective of age or gender. Bank of America's resources will play a crucial role in expanding the footprint of running events, ensuring that future generations have ample opportunities to participate and thrive in the realm of sports.

In conclusion, as we look forward to 2026 and beyond, the partnership between Bank of America and Great Ethiopian Run exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts in sports can have on community health, economic development, and cultural celebration. Through this strategic alliance, both parties are committed to realizing a shared vision: transforming running into a lifestyle that enriches lives and fosters unity among diverse communities.