On March 16, 2025, the 22nd annual Safaricom Women First 5km run took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, celebrating International Women's Day and recognizing the vital contributions of Ethiopian women to national development. Birenesh Dessie of Global Sport claimed first place, followed by Abzu Kebede in second and Mekdes Shimelis in third. The women-only race, which began and ended near the Atlas Hotel in the Bole district, attracted thousands of participants, ranging from elite athletes to casual runners.
Organized by the Great Ethiopian Run, this year’s event saw over 16,000 participants, including more than 150 competitive athletes and 30 prominent women honored for their professional achievements. The race also welcomed female ambassadors from 11 countries and leaders from 16 United Nations agencies, underscoring its global resonance in promoting women's empowerment. The theme, “All Rights; For All Women,” emphasized the critical need for gender equality and women's rights, complemented by entertainment and educational programs highlighting women’s societal impact.
Double Olympic gold medalist Meseret Defar, the race ambassador, played a key role by leading weekly training sessions for participants, including disadvantaged students supported by embassies and private groups. Founded in 2001, the Great Ethiopian Run has grown into a powerful platform, using running to advance both sport and social change in Ethiopia.