Sofi Malt Lake Hawassa Half Marathon

The Hawassa Half-Marathon has been an annual tradition in the gorgeous city of Hawassa. With its low altitude and flat terrain, Hawassa is the perfect place to run long distances, and the lake provides a special, natural beauty to the race.The event began in 2010, and continued consecutively for five years before taking a break in 2015 and 2016. It was restarted in 2017, and the Great Ethiopian Run signed a three-year agreement with the Hawassa municipality to hold the marathon annually from 2017-2019.Hawassa is located 275 kilometres south of Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and is situated at an altitude of 1700m (5577ft). It is the regional capital of southern Ethiopia.The event allows runners to race alongside Lake Hawassa, a popular place for birdwatchers, and stay at Haile Resort Hotel on the lake's shores, which is owned by Haile Gebrselassie. The world-famous runner has been present at each of the previous events. Accommodations fill up quickly, so participants are encouraged to book early.