2026 Great Ethiopian Run Registration Opens as Race Unveils Bank of America Partnership
Registration opened this week for the 2026 Great Ethiopian Run, with organizers confirming that a record 60,000 runners will be allowed to take part in the 10km road race set for Sunday, November 22. The announcement also marked the official launch of a new partnership with Bank of America, which will serve as the race’s presenting sponsor.
The children’s races held alongside the main event will also grow, with 5,000 primary-school-aged participants now able to register, up from previous years. Bank of America will additionally back the Women First 5km race, scheduled to take place in March 2027 to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the launch, Great Ethiopian Run Managing Director Dagmawit Amare said the expanded partnership opens a new chapter for the race, with an added focus on youth opportunity, sport tourism, and support for local businesses.
Organizers say they expect a rise in international entrants this year as the race’s global standing continues to grow under its World Athletics Label status, even though most participants are still expected to come from within Ethiopia. As part of an effort to widen access, 3,000 free entries — 5 percent of the total field — will go to high school students in their final year.
For the first time in the event’s 26-year history, chip timing will be available to runners aiming for an official finish time. Organizers are also encouraging participants to use a newly launched training app to help them prepare.
The race will again run its Run For A Cause charity initiative, with three organizations selected by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women and Social Affairs set to benefit. This year’s fundraising target has been set at more than 5 million Ethiopian birr.
Bank of America’s Yvonne Ike, who heads the bank’s sub-Saharan Africa business, said the race has grown into a platform that builds community, inspires young people, and drives economic activity beyond race day itself.
Registration for the race is being handled exclusively through the Telebirr app. Entry costs 790 birr for the Red Start at Meskel Square, and 950 birr for the chip-timed Green Start outside the Ghion Hotel.
