Addis Ababa is poised to make sporting history this weekend as the Ethiopian capital prepares to host its inaugural International Athletics Grand Prix. Scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Miazia 10, 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar), the one-day event marks a significant milestone for the nation, which has long been celebrated as a global powerhouse in long-distance running but has rarely hosted events of this specific international circuit caliber.
The event is expected to be a star-studded affair, featuring some of the most prominent names in global athletics. According to local officials, the Grand Prix will not only showcase elite talent but will also be attended by high-ranking representatives from World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport. This high-level presence underscores the importance of the meet in the global track and field calendar.
The Addis Ababa Youth and Sports Bureau has expressed immense pride in the city’s selection as a host. In a statement, the bureau emphasized that the Grand Prix is a golden opportunity to project a positive image of both the city and the country to the rest of the world. "This competition is vital for the good image of our country and our city," the bureau noted, highlighting the soft power potential of international sporting events.
For fans of the sport, the event offers a rare chance to see world-class competition on home soil. The Grand Prix will receive extensive international media coverage, with live broadcasts expected to reach millions of viewers globally. This exposure is anticipated to boost Ethiopia's profile as a destination for sports tourism and international gatherings.
Ethiopia’s athletics legacy is legendary, rooted in the successes of icons like Abebe Bikila, Haile Gebrselassie, and Kenenisa Bekele. Hosting a Grand Prix in the heart of the capital is seen by many as a long-overdue recognition of the country's contribution to the sport. It provides a platform for local emerging talent to experience the atmosphere of a world-class meet without leaving their home borders.
The festivities are set to begin at 1:00 PM (7:00 local time) at the historic Addis Ababa Stadium. Residents and sports enthusiasts from across the region have been invited to fill the stands and support the athletes. The bureau has called upon the public to turn out in large numbers to witness this historic occasion and demonstrate the passion for athletics that defines the Ethiopian spirit.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia