Photo Gallery: An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
- By Michael Crawley
- Published Jun. 5, 2012
- Updated Jun. 6, 2012 at 11:25 AM UTC

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
Bekoji was not a place for advanced footwear – most runners had second hand shoes that had been patched up several times. It didn’t stop them running fast, though.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
Most Ethiopians tried to avoid running on the roads, with the exception of Saturdays, when hundreds of runners would gather on a straight stretch of road outside Addis to do tempo runs between 10 and 35K.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
Runners stretching after a track session.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
The author, Michael Crawley, performing a workout. Most of the interval sessions take place on flat grassland. The surface is perfect for running – firm enough to run quickly but still forgiving on the legs.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
The group of runners had gathered at 7 AM to wait for coach Sentayu. After listening to what he had to say with rapt attention, they gave him a short round of applause before starting their warm up.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
One of the authors training partners during his stay in Ethiopia.

An Inside Look At Running In Ethiopia
Coach Sentayu, who has guided a number of Olympic champions, presiding over a track session.

FILED UNDER: Olympic Games / Photos TAGS: Derartu Tulu / Ethiopia / Kenenisa Bekele / Olympic Games / Tirunesh Dibaba