Bank of America and the Great Ethiopian Run on Thursday announced a multi-year partnership that will make the US financial institution the presenting partner of Ethiopia’s largest road race beginning in 2026, expanding the bank’s global footprint in endurance sports.
Under the agreement, Bank of America will support three major events: the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, its annual children’s races, and, starting in 2027, the Women First 5km. All will carry the bank’s presenting-partner branding. Organizers say the partnership is expected to elevate Ethiopia’s globally recognized running culture and generate wider economic benefits through sport, tourism and local enterprise.
“We are very excited about the next stage of the journey for Great Ethiopian Run with Bank of America as our partner in all that we do,” said Dagmawit Amare, the organization’s general manager. She said the collaboration would focus on expanding access to running for young people and strengthening community engagement.
The announcement coincides with the 25th edition of the Great Ethiopian Run 10km, which is expected to draw about 50,000 runners through central Addis Ababa — one of the largest road-race fields on the continent. Officials say the new sponsorship aims to further increase participation in the flagship event while accelerating growth in the children’s and women’s races.
“Great Ethiopian Run is a world-class organization that is expanding the positive impact of sports throughout Ethiopia, Africa and the world,” said Brad Ross, Bank of America’s head of global marketing partnerships. He said the bank aimed to support youth and women’s participation as part of its broader community-impact strategy.
The Great Ethiopian Run, founded in 2001, has become a major driver of tourism and small-business activity in Addis Ababa, drawing thousands of foreign runners each year. Organizers say the new partnership will amplify those gains by generating additional jobs, strengthening local enterprises and channeling economic benefits to surrounding communities.
The deal extends Bank of America’s expanding involvement in global endurance sports. The company also sponsors the Boston and Chicago Marathons, which together generate more than USD 1.1 billion in annual economic impact and raise over USD 90 million for charity. Executives say the Ethiopian partnership aligns with the bank’s strategy in Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa, and offers a platform to support emerging talent in one of the world’s strongest running nations.
