Running for Road Safety
On a sunny December day in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, amateur runners and professional athletes eagerly took part in the 2024 China-Ethiopia Friendship Relay Race. The event aimed to bolster bilateral relations, raise road safety awareness, and encourage healthy lifestyles.
The race was sponsored by the Chinese construction giant China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. (CCCC), in collaboration with local partners. The competition, held on 15 December 2024, featured a 12-km course for elite athletes and a six-km route for amateurs, both held on the newly built KK&KT Expressway in eastern Addis Ababa.
The annual event began in 2004 when sections of the new ring road of Addis Ababa were completed, with the primary goal of promoting road safety awareness in Ethiopia, where road traffic accidents remain one of the most pressing public health problems. Over 19 consecutive years, the event has also strengthened the bond of friendship between China and Ethiopia.
Partnership in connectivity
The KK&KT Expressway, situated in the southern part of Addis Ababa, completed construction by CCCC in December 2024. It is expected to significantly improve access to and from Addis Ababa, driving economic growth across Ethiopia.
CCCC has been active in the country for several decades. It has won acclaim for its large-scale infrastructure development projects, including industrial parks, roads and major national development projects.
Ethiopia’s first Chinese-built toll road, the Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway, is a flagship infrastructure project constructed by CCCC. Operational since September 2014, the expressway has earned praise from the Ethiopian government for its substantial economic benefits. It facilitates efficient transportation along the busiest segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti port route, a critical trade corridor. Additionally, it is regarded as Ethiopia’s first significant achievement in its partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
CCCC has also received recognition for its role in constructing the China-aided Friendship Square in Addis Ababa, a landmark development spanning approximately 30 hectares. It features an artificial lake, a plaza that can host tens of thousands of people, multiple restaurants, and dedicated areas for sports and recreation.
In August 2023, the Abay River Bridge, the longest road bridge with the largest span in Ethiopia, has been completed by CCCC. With a total length of 380 metres, the bridge is an important passage on the Blue Nile in Bahirdar City. At the same time, the project has provided thousands of jobs for the local community, effectively boosting local employment and improving the living standards of local residents.
In May 2024, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and fastest-growing airline, commended CCCC for successfully completing a $50 million renovation of the domestic passenger terminal at Bole International Airport. The upgrade is expected to more than double the terminal’s annual passenger handling capacity.
A dream run
Over the years, CCCC has focused not only on building quality infrastructure but also on fostering people-to-people exchanges. The company has consistently upheld its commitment to social responsibility, building a positive image of Chinese enterprises in the Ethiopian society while integrating local traditions into its corporate culture.
To localise its operations, CCCC conducted thorough research, adapted its practices to local conditions, and started a public welfare activity cherished by the Ethiopian people - long-distance running. Ethiopia, often called the “Home of Long-Distance Running in Africa,” was an ideal place for this initiative.
Launched in 2004 by CCCC in collaboration with legendary marathon runner and two-time Olympic gold medallist, Haile Gebrselassie, the event has grown into a significant tradition in Ethiopia. The race combines corporate social responsibility with local cultural heritage, centred around the theme of “road safety,” a topic of great importance to the local community.
Since its inception, the event has attracted nearly 40,000 participants, becoming a major sporting event in the capital. The race is attended by government agencies, financial institutions, enterprises, embassies, Chinese-funded organisations, and professional running clubs. It also offers Chinese employees the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s celebrated running culture.
The venue for each race is carefully chosen from among the newest municipal roads completed by CCCC, such as the Addis Ababa ring road and the Addis Ababa outer ring connection line. In 2022, the race was held on the Goterra Interchange Municipal Road, Addis Ababa’s first integrated urban transportation artery featuring roads, bridges, and tunnels. The modern, spacious roads and well-lit tunnels provided runners with a unique and memorable experience.
Haile Gebresilassi said that the race can help to mobilise the participation of the whole people and enhance national pride. “I hope that through the publicity of the event, more Ethiopians and people in Ethiopia will participate in the event. Being able to participate in this sport will improve everyone’s health level.”
