Addis Ababa, November 23, 2025 (FMC) — Melknat Wudu and Yismaw Dilu claimed top honors at the 2025 Great Ethiopian Run, celebrating the event’s 25th anniversary with remarkable performances.
In the women’s category, Melknat Wudu of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia successfully defended her title, finishing with an impressive time of 32:10.273. This victory marks her second consecutive win at this prestigious event, solidifying her status as one of Ethiopia’s premier female runners. Melknat also received a cash prize of 400,000 Birr for her outstanding achievement.
Close behind her was Ftaw Zeray, finishing just a second later at 32:11.516 to take second place, while Meselech Alemayehu rounded out the podium with a strong performance of 32:19.787. Zeray and Alemayehu were awarded cash prizes of 200,000 Birr and 100,000 Birr, respectively, for their efforts.
On the men’s side, Yismaw Dilu of Amhara Police delivered a stellar performance, crossing the finish line in 28:25.262. His triumph marked a significant leap from his third-place finish last year and earned him a cash prize of 400,000 Birr.
Eyob Simegn closely followed in second place with 28:28.687, while Dinkalem Ayle claimed third at 28:29.261. The razor-thin margins between the top three men created an electrifying atmosphere that thrilled the thousands of spectators lining the course.
The Silver Jubilee edition of the Great Ethiopian Run also celebrated inclusivity, featuring races for disabled athletes. In the men’s category, Daniel Shambel secured first place, followed by Abrham Lewtu and Jamal Awel. In the women’s race, Anchinesh Nibret triumphed, with Ashu Ayenew and Tsehaynesh Amare taking second and third places.
This milestone event drew over 250 runners from 25 countries, underlining its role in promoting health, unity, and sportsmanship in Ethiopia. The race both started and finished at Meskel Square, where a festive atmosphere embraced participants and spectators, celebrating a quarter-century of the Great Ethiopian Run’s impact on the community.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie expressed her pride on social media, highlighting the event’s long-standing encouragement of health and togetherness in the capital. She also paid tribute to the race’s founder, Olympic legend Haile Gebrselassie, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire athletes of all levels.
The occasion was further elevated by the presence of legendary athletes Daniel Komen and Khalid Khannouchi, whose participation underscored the event’s international prestige and its role in fostering national pride.
As the sun set over Meskel Square, the 2025 Great Ethiopian Run stood not merely as a race but as a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and pride—an anniversary that promises to inspire generations of future athletes and sustain Ethiopia’s rich running tradition.