Run Africa

Rekik Bekele

Managing Director

Rekik is Managing Director of Run Africa. She is an Acumen East Africa fellow, a Growth Africa Accelerate member and a keen fun runner. ‘The company is driven by a vision to avail Ethiopian athletes’ talent, expertise and discipline to all levels of running enthusiast. I am a great admirer of Haile Gebrselassie’s entrepreneurship and vision. He is an example to Ethiopians and to all sportspeople.’

Edward Stevens

Voluntary Training and Quality Advisor

Ed is Voluntary Training and Quality Advisor. He has lived in Addis Ababa since 2009 and speaks Amharic. ‘It is an honour to be part of the athletics community here. I revere the simplicity and spontaneity of the Ethiopian lifestyle. This includes the attitude toward training, and helping our visitors experience this, first hand, is a key part of our work. A great inspiration of mine is Olympic bronze medallist and two-time winner of both the London and Fukuoka Marathons, Tsegaye Kebede. I see him out training and at events but have always been to shy and humbled to greet him!’

Ilse van Mierlo

Marketing and Operations Manager

Ilse is Marketing and Operations Manager of Run Africa UK. She is a Master of Arts (MA) in International Business Communication. ‘The two things I love most in life are running and discovering foreign cultures. Working with Run Africa, therefore, enables me to combine these two passions in a wonderful way. I love promoting the exciting world of Ethiopian athletics to outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Let’s run and discover together!‘

Gafe

Athlete Guide

‘My past experience as a coaching assistant for the Ethiopian National Team was excellent preparation for my work now with both the Run Africa management and the Athletics Club.’ Favourite training session: ‘I love variation! Sprints one day, a long run the next day; if today was asphalt, I want forest tomorrow!’ Favourite training fuel: ‘Anything with barley in it – barley soup, barley shake (beso), barley bread … You name it!’