Registration has opened for the 2026 Safaricom Women First 5km, the 23rd edition of an all-women's race set for March 22. The event celebrates women's achievements and promotes health, fitness, and empowerment across Ethiopia. With 16,000 slots available, participants will follow the traditional 5km route near the Atlas Hotel in the Bole area.
Registration for the 2026 Safaricom Women First 5km has officially begun, marking the 23rd edition of this all-women's race scheduled for Sunday, March 22. The event, organized by the Great Ethiopian Run, aims to celebrate women's achievements and encourage health, fitness, and empowerment throughout Ethiopia. Organizers have made 16,000 slots available, with runners following the familiar 5km course near the Atlas Hotel in Addis Ababa's Bole district, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and community involvement.
Dagmawit Amare, Managing Director of the Great Ethiopian Run, highlighted the commitment to inclusivity amid increasing operational costs. The entry fee has been kept at ETB 590 to accommodate a wide range of women and girls. To further reduce financial barriers, discounts are offered for registrations made through digital platforms like M-Pesa and the Dashen SuperApp.
Hermela Yilma, Head of Brand and Communications at Safaricom Ethiopia, voiced the company's pride in its title sponsorship. “We feel a deep sense of honor to support this competition, which reflects the hard work of women and amplifies their voices,” she said, underscoring Safaricom's ongoing partnership with the race.
This year's theme, “Live Smart – Run Confident,” is promoted by DKT Ethiopia. Aditya Putra, Country Director of DKT Ethiopia, explained that it ties into reproductive health awareness. “The theme reflects our belief that informed reproductive health choices build lifelong confidence,” he stated, positioning the race as a platform linking health education to community participation.
Participants can register via M-Pesa, the Dashen SuperApp, or in person at four designated Safaricom shops starting February 21, 2026. The event receives support from partners including M-Pesa, DKT, Dashen Bank, Aktive, the Embassy of Ireland, UNICEF, Fab Beauty Soap, Top Water, Hyatt Regency, ETV, and Afran Hospital.
