Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) - "Safaricom Women First 5km". The Women First 5km, a 5km women’s-only run in Addis Ababa, was started in 2004 – the same year as the Athens Olympics – to recognize the achievements of Ethiopia’s great female athletes. It also aimed to support the broader changes regarding the role of women in Ethiopia’s economic and social life. Ethiopia’s double Olympic gold medalist Meseret Defar is the ambassador for this event. The 22nd edition of this popular women’s-only 5km run in Addis Ababa takes place on Sunday 16th March 2025. The event forms part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day (8 March) and highlights the contribution of Ethiopian women to the development of economic and social life in the country. Ethiopia’s great female athletes have played a significant part in this. The race took place in the Bole district of Addis Ababa with the start and finish near to Atlas Hotel. Each year, this race publicizes important social messages which focus on women’s empowerment as well as achievement. www.ethiopianrun.org/women-first