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THE DOCUMENTARY
A team of runners embark on a life-changing journey to Ethiopia. What starts out as a joyous journey of discovery, ends with a gut punch of reality. Begging the question - what happens when the world stops showing up? This compelling short documentary takes viewers on a transformative journey, following an Irish team of runners, some from New York, as they venture to Ethiopia to participate in Africa’s largest road race.
The documentary captures the essence of their journey, showcasing the challenges they face, the impact of the race on the local community, and the personal growth experienced by the runners. Through breathtaking visuals and powerful storytelling, the film offers a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture, and social impact.
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The film captures the team’s challenges as they navigate high altitudes, unfamiliar terrain, and the complex realities of life in Ethiopia.
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Alongside legendary athletes & Olympians like Haile Gebrselassie, Ruth Chepng'etich, Moses Tanui and Eamonn Coghlan, they discover a nation with a rich cultural heritage, a painful past, and a hopeful vision for the future.
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​The Great Ethiopian Run – Beyond the Finish Line is a powerful documentary that goes beyond the excitement of Africa’s biggest road race to reveal the life-saving impact of humanitarian aid in Ethiopia. Through the voices of runners, aid workers, and local communities, the film highlights how international support has provided critical resources, from healthcare to food security.
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We hope this film not only documents a moment of change but inspires empathy, awareness, and action. It’s a reminder that the impact of aid is real—and the absence of it is devastating.
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However, with USAID and U.S. foreign aid now cut off, the future of these essential programs hangs in the balance, putting countless lives at risk. This documentary serves as a vital reminder of what is at stake and the urgent need for continued global support. We hope this film not only documents a moment of change but inspires empathy, awareness and action. It's a reminder that the impact of aid is real - and the absence of it is devastating.
THE JOURNEY
THE EXPERIENCE
"It’s one thing to write a check for a cause you believe in, but it’s an entirely different experience to step onto the ground, see where that money goes"
"It’s one thing to write a check for a cause you believe in, but it’s an entirely different experience to step onto the ground, see where that money goes, and meet the people it impacts" say' the films director. The Great Ethiopian Run follows a group of Irish runners who not only contributed to GOAL’s humanitarian efforts but also undertook the immense challenge of running Africa’s largest road race in Ethiopia—a grueling event held 8,000 feet above sea level.
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Running at such high altitudes is a test of endurance even for seasoned athletes. With less oxygen in the air, every breath is harder, every step feels heavier, and fatigue sets in much faster than at sea level. For the runners, this race wasn’t just about crossing the finish line—it was about pushing their limits in a country where running is woven into the cultural fabric, and legendary athletes like Haile Gebrselassie have built a legacy on these very streets.
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As they prepared for the race, the runners also took the time to see international aid agency GOAL’s work up close. They witnessed the sustainable initiatives that empower Ethiopian communities—programs focused on clean water, education, healthcare, and economic development. This experience was deeply humbling: seeing both the dire needs of some communities and the incredible impact of GOAL’s aid on others.
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The documentary captures the emotional and physical journey of the runners as they raced against altitude and poverty. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the power of direct action, proving that contributing to change is not only about giving—it’s about stepping into the world, facing its challenges, and doing what you can to make a difference.
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THE MISSION
The run is no ordinary challenge
The mission of The Great Ethiopian Run experience is twofold: to raise vital funds for GOAL’s life-changing work with the world’s most vulnerable communities and to inspire participants to go beyond their limits for a greater cause. Each runner committed to raising $10,000 for GOAL’s sustainable development programs while also covering their own travel expenses, ensuring that every dollar donated directly supports those in need.
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Beginning in downtown Addis Ababa, the run is no ordinary challenge. Participants join over 50,000 runners in Africa’s largest road race, a demanding 10km (6.2 miles) course at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level, where the thinner air pushes even the fittest athletes to their limits. From elite competitors like Haile Gebrselassie and Richard Nerurkar to runners of all ages and abilities, the event is a celebration of resilience and unity. Thousands of spectators line the streets, and millions more watch across the globe, creating an atmosphere that is as electric as it is unforgettable.
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This extraordinary journey is about more than just running; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of others, showing that every step can contribute to a brighter future for communities in need.
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Join GOAL in Addis Ababa for 2025 The Great Ethiopian Run