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ETHIOPIA: FROM ORIGIN OF GREAT RUNNERS TO A RUNNERS’ DESTINATION 
The Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) is delighted to announce the successful completion of the 3rd edition of Ethio Trail, a unique international trail race that took place last weekend, on August 7th in Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park. ETO was the platinum sponsor of the event organized by Run in Africa/RIA Ethiopia in collaboration with the Great Ethiopian Run (GER). The Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park known to be a top birding destination is located in the central Great Rift Valley in the Oromia region, 200 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. The 2016 Ethio Trail attracted over 300 participants including Ethiopian athletes, the diplomatic community residing in Addis Ababa and dozens of adventure runners that came from all over the world. The trail race covered 3 different distances, 12km and 21km (for running or hiking) and a 42 km marathon with 1,200 meters positive uphill. Running is a national passion in Ethiopia with its legendary running champions providing a natural magnet for running tourists. Ethiopia can build on its strengths as land of long distance champions, the diversity of high altitude areas suitable for training and its dramatic landscapes suitable for trail running events. There are already a number of facilities offering accommodation for runners and opportunities for altitude training in locations such as Sululta, Asela and Bekoji. It is to be noted that Mo Farah, the British track and field athlete who won the 10,000m Gold title at the Rio Olympics, was training at altitude in Ethiopia earlier this year to work on his speed and his endurance. 
 ETO is prepared and ready to lead the way for an organized and systematic effort to offer runners year-long high altitude training as well as more race competitions in Ethiopia, the Land of Origins.
Ethiopian Tourism Organization| www.ethiopia.travel |