It's an exciting time here at Yaya Village, as Haile Gebrselassie and former Canadian cross-country champion Joseph Kibur's high altitude training center- the first of its kind in Ethiopia- has recently opened its doors to international running guests.
The 4-star resort has a hotel, restaurant, gym, physiotherapy room, 1k dirt running loop, and easy access to endless trails and Kenenisa Bekele's new all-weather track. The complex sits at 2,700 meters (8,800 feet), offers ideal training temperatures, and serves as the training ground for many elite and developing runners.
In addition, Haile and Joseph are sponsoring an on-site non-profit organization called Yaya Girls Running Program. Through structured running, English lessons, and job training, they seek to empower Ethiopian women to help reduce the gender inequality that limits the development of Ethiopia.
Many airlines in the US and Europe offer direct flights to Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia is an exceptionally safe and friendly country for Western visitors. For more information and regular blog posts from the Yaya Girls Team and guest athletes, please visit
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