Selam Gebrekidan, from Boston and founder of the Aksum Marathon nonprofit, spoke to the DSCI Axum Committee in March 2025 about supporting an annual run and marathon in Axum.
In memory of her brother, who died during the conflict, Selam sought ways to engage the youth of Axum, including organizing an annual run during Hidar Tsion, a major religious celebration held each year in late November.
During a recent visit to Axum, she saw many young men and women struggling after years of conflict—unemployed or underemployed, unable to continue their education because schools had been occupied or destroyed, and uncertain about the future. An annual race would not solve every challenge, but perhaps training for the event, anticipating the finish line, wearing an official race shirt, and competing for medals could help restore a sense of normalcy, pride, and hope, even if only for a few days.
The marathon was fittingly held during Hidar Tsion, the Festival of St. Mary, when the faithful travel from across Ethiopia and throughout the diaspora to celebrate together in fellowship, faith, and family. The event also served as a remembrance of the hundreds of lives lost during the massacre committed in 2020 during Hidar Tsion.
The DSCI Axum Committee became one of the marathon’s early sponsors, with many additional supporters joining afterward. It was an honor for the committee to participate in both the celebration and remembrance, and throughout the planning process, organizers kept the committee informed and involved in the activities surrounding the event.
Promotional photos were taken both at the City of Axum Park in Denver and in front of the Denver Hamere Noah Kidane-Mehret Cathedral, symbolically strengthening the ties between Denver and Axum and connecting the sister city partnership directly to the marathon itself.
The Aksum Marathon route on Friday, November 28, began at the historic Stelae Fields, continuing past the grand St. Mary of Tsion Church, the Axumite Heritage Foundation and its remarkable library, down Denver Street—named in honor of more than 30 years of partnership between Denver and Axum as sister cities—past Ezana Park, the beautiful Atronos Hotel, and along Airport Road leading toward the town of Mahbere Dego.
It was spectacular.
Hundreds, if not thousands, participated officially and unofficially. Medals were awarded, cash prizes were presented to finalists, and the day became a joyful celebration of endurance, unity, and renewal. For days afterward, organizers and sponsors continued receiving messages of gratitude and appreciation from participants and community members alike.
The committee is committed to supporting the marathon again next year in whatever form the leadership of Aksum Marathon finds most helpful.
Donations to support future Aksum Marathon events can be made here:
https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1219103
The committee also received the following message of appreciation from the Aksum Marathon leadership:
“We extend our deepest appreciation to Denver Sister Cities Axum for sponsoring the 2nd Year Aksum Marathon 10K Race and for your continued commitment to uplifting the people of Aksum.
Your partnership represents more than financial support—it reflects a lasting bridge of solidarity between Denver and Aksum. Through your consistent humanitarian efforts, advocacy, and community engagement, you continue to stand with our people during recovery and rebuilding.
The success of this year’s marathon is a direct reflection of that shared commitment to resilience, youth empowerment, and hope.
A special thank you to Janet Lee and Senaye Gebremichael for your visionary leadership and hands-on dedication. Your belief in the mission of the Aksum Marathon—to empower youth and create opportunities through sport—carries meaningful impact on the ground.
On behalf of the entire organizing team and the community we serve, thank you for standing with us and for investing in a stronger future for Aksum.”
For the DSCI Axum Committee, the Aksum Marathon represents far more than a race. It is a testament to the resilience of the people of Axum, the healing power of community, and the importance of international friendship during times of recovery.
What began as one woman’s vision to honor her brother’s memory and inspire hope among Axum’s youth became a powerful gathering of remembrance, celebration, faith, and renewal. Through sport, culture, and shared purpose, thousands came together to demonstrate that even after tremendous hardship, community spirit endures.
The committee is honored to continue supporting the Aksum Marathon and the broader efforts to uplift youth, strengthen opportunity, and deepen the longstanding sister city relationship between Denver and Axum 🌍🏃🏾♀️❤️
As Denver Sister Cities International reflects on the many meaningful events of 2025, the Aksum Marathon stands as one of the year’s most inspiring examples of partnership in action—where remembrance becomes hope, and solidarity becomes momentum for the future.