The sports-based international aid agency GOAL, by way of its U.S. affiliate GOAL USA, is finding its way back to Ethiopia this coming weekend.

GOAL USA is sending a 15-member “Great Ethiopian Run Team,” which will take part in the annual 10 kilometer run on Sunday, November 23 in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

The group is aiming to complete the challenge, which includes both the run and the goal of raising at least USD 300,000 to support GOAL’s programs worldwide.

“The Great Ethiopian Run, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has been called ‘Ethiopia’s biggest street party,’ and named ‘The World’s Best 10k’ by Runner’s World Magazine.

“It was founded in 2001 by Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie and attracts some 40,000 runners from around the world each year. This year, GOAL USA is proud to join the ranks of participants marking the Run’s 25th anniversary.

“Each member of the GOAL USA team pledges to raise at least $10,000. They will travel to Ethiopia five days prior to the run, during that time visiting communities GOAL works with, meeting people their efforts will impact, in and around Addis Ababa, and in the regions of Tigray to the country’s north, and Gambella, in the west.

“The team is led by two Irish running legends: 1976 and 1980 Olympian Eamonn Coghlan, the former world champion at 5,000 meters and one-time indoor mile record holder; and David Gillick, 2008 Olympian, two-time European 400-meter champion and renowned sports commentator and personality.

They are joined by GOAL USA Board members and tech founders Ronan Ryan, co-founder and COO of IEX, and Conor Twomey, CEO and co-founder of AI One. Twomey will not be making the trip this year, but he is raising funds, mentoring runners, and will run the 10k concurrently in the US.

Rounding out the team will be 13 more GOAL supporters from various backgrounds and across the US. Last year, GOAL’s team brought 10 runners to Addis Ababa, raising nearly USD 200,000, which supported the organization’s work in Ethiopia and beyond.

Eamonn Coghlan says “The Great Ethiopian Run is a tribute to the Ethiopian spirit and to the country’s great running culture, personified by my friend Haile. GOAL’s role as a leading first responder and development partner over four decades there is powered by hundreds of Ethiopian staff members, who make up 99 percent of the GOAL team. So, it’s only natural that GOAL should join the Run and use it as an opportunity to do even more good.  I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.”

David Gillick remarked: “Eamonn and I have obviously taken part in some of the world’s greatest festivals of sport. The Great Ethiopian Run qualifies as one in its own right. We’re excited to lead GOAL’s team, to experience Ethiopia, and most importantly to meet the people GOAL serves.”

GOAL USA Executive Director Eamon Sharkey added: “We’ve gathered a remarkable team this year. And we continue to welcome support in any amount as this is our largest single annual fundraising campaign. Whether you want to support us or join us, you can do so at goalus.org/greatrun.”

GOAL has been operational in Ethiopia since the early 1980s. Currently, GOAL is working across 60 districts in eight regions and two city administrations in the country.

“In 2023/24, our operations were supported by an annual budget of USD 30 million, enabling significant investments in the capacity of over 700 Ethiopian staff, with women making up more than 40 percent  of our workforce,” GOAL stated.

(The IrishEcho)