We left our heart in San Francisco… but we’ll bring them to wherever you are!
Ten years ago in May 2010, Ethiopia Reads supporters in the Bay Area organized a sponsored 12k Run/Walk in tandem with the iconic, century-old foot race from the Financial District through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. The “Bay To Breakers” race has taken place every spring in San Francisco for over 100 years. Our own inspiration for Ethiopia Reads and Runs came from the success and reputation of all the world-renowned Ethiopian long-distance runners since the 1960s. Our initial goal was to raise $10,000 to support the work of Ethiopia Reads by recruiting 100 runners and walkers with each person raising $100 from family and friends. Our first Ethiopia Reads and Runs event took place on May 16, 2010 and was a brilliantly successful and fun event.
10 year ago in Golden Gate Park
During the past ten years, we have enjoyed the camaraderie and enthusiasm around the event, surrounded by funny & eccentric costumes (and sometimes absence of costumes!) with live music along the course. We were mostly walkers, with honorable exceptions. After a long walk together in good company, we got together at a breakfast picnic near the finish line in Golden Gate Park. It was organized by volunteers and sponsored by Cinderella’s Bakery and Peet’s Coffee. Everyone enjoyed being together outdoors, feeling healthy, enjoying delicious pastries and having done it all for a great cause.
In the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s sadly too risky to hold such an event in person, but to help continue this enjoyable event this year, we encourage YOU to create your own Ethiopia Reads and Runs event – big or small – on Sunday, September 20, 2020.
We are in it together!
As you all know, the coronavirus pandemic has brought a host of new problems on communities across the globe. Our operations are not immune from that, and we ask that you remain engaged with us as we go through this transition. While our offices and libraries remain closed and staff are working from home, we are exploring how to safely lend books from the library especially while schools and school libraries remain close. We are developing other options for outdoor distanced reading groups and online services.
Create YOUR own Ethiopia Reads & Runs/Walks event
We invite YOU and your family and friends to help maintain and build hope and vision for the children of Ethiopia with an organized Run/Walk in YOUR community all together across the country on Sunday, September 20. We have been encouraged by our supporters who have donated directly to us and/or purchased our special anniversary t-shirts. Many have committed to lacing up their walking shoes and taking their family and friends, suitably masked and distanced, to create their own walk in a park or area closer to their homes. Please tag us #EthiopiaReadsandRuns on social media with your Run/Walk. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short walk or a 12K run!
We have opened up the ordering for the special edition t-shirt with the Golden Gate Bridge and the number “10” in the ancient Ethiopian language of Ge’ez. Please order online before August 31st. Thank you for being a part of this milestone celebration! Please share with your friends, buy some t-shirts and see you online on September 20th!
