2026 Ethio Telecom Lake Hawassa Half Marathon
The 2026 Ethio Telecom Lake Hawassa Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Hawassa, Ethiopia, a city located approximately 275 km south of Addis Ababa and the capital of the Sidama Region. The event is set along the scenic eastern shore of Lake Hawassa, a freshwater lake known for its natural beauty. On this date, the expected weather in Hawassa is likely to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 22°C. Participants can expect a well-organized road event with a short mixed-terrain section, offering a combination of fast, flat running and a brief change of surface along the lakeshore. The half marathon, 8 km race, and children's races are all part of the event's diverse offerings, with the half marathon featuring a course that is predominantly on closed roads, with a single non-tarmac section between kilometers 15 and 17.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half marathon (21 km)
- →8 km race
- →Children's races
What is the race course like?
The half marathon is primarily a road event, with a short mixed-terrain section between kilometers 15 and 17. The course begins in front of Gash Hussein House in the Loqe area and runs along the eastern shore of Lake Hawassa. The early kilometers include a short downhill section, followed by nearly flat terrain. The final stretch includes a gentle 400-meter uphill gradient before finishing in front of St. Gabriel Church in central Hawassa. The 8 km and children's races are entirely road-based, starting and finishing at St. Gabriel Church in downtown Hawassa.
What are the start times for each race?
- →Half marathon: 6:45 AM (mass start); elite waves at 6:30 AM and 6:35 AM
- →8 km race: 9:00 AM
- →Children's races: 8:30 AM
Where is the start and finish line for the half marathon?
The half marathon starts in front of Gash Hussein House (Loqe area), on the outskirts of Hawassa, and finishes in front of St. Gabriel Church (Smuda Monument) in central Hawassa.
Where is the start and finish line for the 8 km and children's races?
The 8 km and children's races both start and finish at St. Gabriel Church in downtown Hawassa.
What is the race day logistics like?
Transport to the start is provided by race organizers via bus from Haile Resort Hotel, the race headquarters, beginning at 5:45 AM. Race pack collection takes place on Saturday, February 7, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Haile Resort Hotel lobby. A race briefing and pasta party are scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at 6:15 PM at the Haile Resort Hotel, with refreshments available from 6:00 PM.
What is the focus of the event in terms of sustainability?
The event emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including paper-free registration, electric lead vehicles for elite races, recycling partnerships for waste management, and a commitment to carbon offset through tree planting. Runners are encouraged to carpool, walk to the venue if nearby, and properly dispose of waste during the race.
What is the event’s organizer?
The event is organized by Great Ethiopian Run, a company known for hosting high-quality running events in Ethiopia.