The 2024 China-Ethiopia Friendship Relay Race, held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, promote road safety, and encourage healthy lifestyles. The event hosted over 2,000 participants, including members of the diplomatic community, financial institutions, government officials, youth clubs, and Chinese companies. This year’s race, covering 12 kilometers for elite athletes and 6 kilometers for amateurs, took place on a newly constructed road by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) in the eastern part of Addis Ababa.
The winners of the race included Ethio Electric Sports Club in the men’s elite category and Oromia Construction and Engineering Corporation Athletics Club in the women’s elite category. The Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia took first place in the diplomatic community category. The event, sponsored by CCCC and local partners for the past 20 years, highlighted its role as an important social responsibility project. Wei Qiangyu, General Manager of CCCC Ethiopia Branch, emphasized that the main goal of the relay race is to promote road safety and raise awareness among the public about quality work and safe driving.
The event also contributed to strengthening the cooperation and cultural ties between China and Ethiopia. Dagmawit Amare, General Manager of Great Ethiopian Run, called for more races like this to increase public awareness of road safety. Participant Mamush Dereje praised the road’s international standards and stated that such events help raise awareness about road safety and strengthen the bond between the peoples of China and Ethiopia. This annual relay race, started in 2004, continues to raise awareness about traffic accidents in Ethiopia and improve public health.