We measured the incidence of illness and injury during the Great Ethiopian Run, the first mass participation running event to be held in Ethiopia. Overall incidence of minor injury was 2.4%; 0.25% of participants were taken to hospital but no patient required overnight admission. The principale diagnoses were heat stroke (0.14%) and soft tissue injuries (0.09%). We recommend starting the run earlier next year to diminish the risk of heat stroke.

[Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2002;16(2):233-234]