Management
Rekik is Managing Director of Run Africa. She is an Acumen East Africa fellow, a Growth Africa Accelerate member and a keen fun runner.
‘The company is driven by a vision to avail Ethiopian athletes’ talent, expertise and discipline to all levels of running enthusiast. I am a great admirer of Haile Gebrselassie’s entrepreneurship and vision. He is an example to Ethiopians and to all sportspeople.’
Negash is Head Coach of Run Africa AC, our competitive club comprising 55 elite athletes. He was 10,000m junior world-record holder for four years, World Junior Cross Country silver medallist in 1985, and Ethiopian National Team Coach in 2001-2008. Negash has coached many of the biggest names in distance running and, most recently, is credited with bringing out 10,000m world record holder and Olympic gold medallist Almaz Ayana. He leads Run Africa AC training sessions three times a week. See him in action in our 3-minute video.
Ezra, a Bachelor of Arts from Addis Ababa University, has over twenty years’ experience in finance and accounting, having worked in varying roles as Accountant, Head of Finance and Financial and Tax Advisor for diverse firms in the energy, tourism and engineering sectors.
Ilse is Marketing and Operations Manager of Run Africa UK. She is a Master of Arts (MA) in International Business Communication. ‘The two things I love most in life are running and discovering foreign cultures. Working with Run Africa, therefore, enables me to combine these two passions in a wonderful way. I love promoting the exciting world of Ethiopian athletics to outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Let’s run and discover together!‘
Loza is Marketing and Operations Assistant. She is a BSc in Civil Engineering from Haramaya University and has a diverse range of marketing and logistical experience.
‘My favourite sport is actually basketball! However, I really enjoy challenging myself with Run Africa’s busy running and hiking schedule. It’s also really rewarding to be helping our athletes to achieve their dreams.’ Can you spot Loza in this Great Run clip?!
Ed is Voluntary Training and Quality Advisor. He has lived in Addis Ababa since 2009 and speaks Amharic.
‘It is an honour to be part of the athletics community here. I revere the simplicity and spontaneity of the Ethiopian lifestyle. This includes the attitude toward training, and helping our visitors experience this, first hand, is a key part of our work. A great inspiration of mine is Olympic bronze medallist and two-time winner of both the London and Fukuoka Marathons, Tsegaye Kebede. I see him out training and at events but have always been to shy and humbled to greet him!’
Athlete Trainers
Gafe
‘My past experience as a coaching assistant for the Ethiopian National Team was excellent preparation for my work now with both the Run Africa management and the Athletics Club.’
Favourite training session: ‘I love variation! Sprints one day, a long run the next day; if today was asphalt, I want forest tomorrow!’
Favourite training fuel: ‘Anything with barley in it – barley soup, barley shake (beso), barley bread … You name it!’
Tamrat
‘An extended stay at this altitude and in these conditions can completely change a runner. I have seen it happen. However, two things which need a lot of attention and generosity to the self are hydration and rest!’
Favourite session: 2-minute sprint repetitions on gravel paths.
Preferred training fuel: Vegetable soup with bulgur wheat.
Gizaw
‘I love running in the early morning. If there is a better way to start the day, I would like to know it! Once you have finished your early morning run, there is no going back. There is no cancelling. You’ve done it!’
Favourite training session: Asphalt sessions.
Preferred training fuel: Pasta with tomato sauce.
Gete
‘I enjoy working with all levels of runner, showing them how we train and helping them improve arm movement and body stance.’
Favourite training session: 3-minute sprint repetitions.
Preferred training fuel: Pasta and rice.
Ebbise
‘Certain Ethiopian foods are very useful for replacing lost energy and giving strength for training.’
Favourite training session: 1.5-hour forest run.
Preferred training fuel: Tea or coffee with bread.
Hadju
‘The life of an Ethiopian athlete is the simple life. Few luxuries. Living very close to our training areas. Training in groups. No gadgets except the stopwatch. And plenty of rest between sessions! Anyone who enjoys running should experience this.’
Favourite training session: Long runs on gravel paths.
Preferred training fuel: Rice with vegetables.
Tadyos
‘It needs a few days to adjust to the altitude but it is a big help in the end. Also, we almost never run on asphalt. The forest and mountain terrains are challenging but they bring so many benefits.’
Favourite session: Steady 1.5-hour run.
Preferred training fuel: Beso barley drink with ground peanuts.
Menen
‘All visitors enjoy discovering our beautiful training sites and the pleasant climate, and the longer they stay the more they benefit.’
Favourite session: 15-20km road run.
Preferred training fuel: Avocado juice.
Zennebech
‘I have not met a Run Africa customer who I did not like very much and get on with. It is wonderful to train with keen people from so many different countries.’
Favourite training session: 120 mins forest run in Sendafa.
Preferred training fuel: pasta with tomatoe sauce.
See also Run Africa Athletics Club, read our latest news or testimonials.