Lake Hawassa Half Marathon 2026

Aren’t you craving a trip perhaps? 🤔 We thought so! Then in February take the first plane and come place your sneakers in Ethiopia to discover the Hawassa Half Marathon! 🤩 Officially named the Sofi Malt Lake Hawassa Half Marathon, this event promises a guaranteed getaway 🗺️. You will set off on the shores of Lake Awasa, surrounded by nature 🌿 and racing towards the city 🏙️. And not just any city! Hawassa is located 275 km south of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa📍, at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level 🌊. Yes, you read that right! Prepare your lungs because oxygen won't be as abundant as in the plains! 😅 It's in these altitude conditions that the greatest champions train 🏆, so you’ll need to perform and honor these lands 🚀.

To this end, you will get to run a half marathon. No elevation changes planned, the course is a straight line along the lake 🏞️: you won’t find anything more conducive to rolling along! 🏎️ Whether you’re a road running enthusiast, a competitor at heart, or just ambitious wanting to challenge the competition 😎, it’s the perfect opportunity to try and break your personal records ⏱️. You will enjoy a fabulous setting, from the house of Gash Hussein to the Church of Saint Gabriel, your finish line 🏁. But that's not all! The organization will cater to you meticulously 🧅 throughout your stay, so no stress! You will stay in a hotel just steps away from the lake and be invited to participate in a series of activities to explore the culture and history of the country 🤓. And if the 21 km scares you, an 8 km version is also available. Less distance, more rest 😴. So, are you activating your warrior mode or your relaxation mode? 🩴

And there’s more than just you who benefits! 😉 By participating, you support a great charitable cause: the fight against poliomyelitis in children 🧫. The organizers partner with the Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to finance research and actions put in place to protect and vaccinate children 💉. Even today, more than 2 million children are affected by the disease. Through this race, you support an important cause and children can also advocate for it by participating in the races organized just for them 🧒.

And after crossing the finish line, why not transform your sporting getaway into a real immersion? 🌍 The locals are very generous people with a big heart 🫶. They will be delighted to offer you their local dishes, so don't hesitate to enjoy a wat 🍲, some keftos, or fifirs 🤌. You can easily get hands-on by sourcing ingredients at the Merkato market, one of the largest markets in Africa! 🤯 Keep your nostrils open, the smells will be there! 😍 And after this meal, you'll probably need to stretch your legs, so we recommend the National Museum of Ethiopia if you want to meet Lucy, our 3-million-year-old hominid ancestor! 🦴 And if you need some tranquility, the Entoto Mountains National Park will offer breathtaking views of Addis Ababa 🌄.

So, are you ready to take on this challenge under the Ethiopian sky? 💪