We came to Ethiopia anticipating the golden opportunity to bring the World Harmony Run torch to some of the world's greateest runners as we had in Kenya. The Great Ethiopia Run would be held the next day, and this afternoon Ethiopia's running "Emperor", Haile Gebresellasie, was hosting a press conference. Ethiopia's brightest stars in the running world would be there - world champions, world record holders, marathon champions and olympic medal winners.

Haile to Tilahun: Hold the torch higher!

Haile has honored us many times in years past by holding the Harmony Torch and offering his thoughts on the relationship between athletics and harmony. Now his brother and sister champions have also had the chance to make their statement.

Lornah Kiplagat (Kenya) with a gaggle of admiring children

Tirunesh Dibaba, world champion and world record holder

Tilahun Regassa

Tsegaye Kebede

Chala Dechase, Sileshi Sihine

Our gratitude to the organizers of the Great Ethiopian Run, Richard Nerurkar and Haile, for allowing us year after year to come to the press comference.

– Putakratu

Team Members:
Aklilu Gebrewold (Ethiopia), Yohannes Tarekegn (Kenya), Daulot Fountain (USA), Barrett Sundberg (USA), Putakratu Cheatham (USA)

Gallery: See more images!