The Bekoji 100 Film
The Bekoji 100 short film explores the stories of Desta and Zabu, two adolescent female runners from Bekoji, Ethiopia who are supported by the Girls Gotta Run Foundation. As they embark on completing the first-ever 100 mile, ultra relay race across Ethiopia alongside international runners and their Girls Gotta Run teammates, they share their athletic ambitions and the trials they face as young women in their society.
Filmmaker: Alistair Wilson
Co-Directors: Alistair Wilson and Julia Hanlon
Co-Producers: Julia Hanlon and Kayla Nolan
About the Bekoji 100 Relay
"It is better to say it's possible and face it than to have the fear not to try." - Zabu, Girls Gotta Run Athletic Scholar
On Thursday morning, January 10th, 2019, a historic run in honor of peace and women’s empowerment began in the Oromia Region in Ethiopia: 48 runners worked together to cover 100 miles embarking upon Ethiopia's first ultra relay organized for and by girls and women.
The Bekoji 100 Ultra Relay and Short Film raised $30,000 to invest back in the Girls Gotta Run Bekoji community. These funds continue to provide critical resources for the girls and their families to build a future of their choosing.
The Bekoji 100 Relay was made possible thanks to the kind support, contributions, and generosity of 4,852 people globally.
4,193 people ran the 2018 Ragnar Relay x Girls Gotta Run Day of the Girl Pop Up Run supporting the Bekoji 100 Ultra Relay.
425 people donated to fundraising campaigns supporting individuals attending the Bekoji 100 in Ethiopia.
48 international athletes, Girls Gotta Run Athletic Scholars, Athletics Federation athletes, coaches, Girls Gotta Run staff, photographers, filmmakers, and Bekoji police escort ran the Bekoji 100 Relay.
164 Girls Gotta Run girls, moms and families in Bekoji celebrated and welcomed the Bekoji 100 Ultra Relay into their community.
22 individuals led the way in organizing this venture: Girls Gotta Run Relay Trip Staff, Girls Gotta Run Board Members, program partner staff members, Ragnar Relay team members, volunteer film team, Simien Eco Tours, leaders from the Bekoji Youth and Sports Office, and the Bekoji Women’s and Children’s Affairs Office.
Thank you to everyone who made the Bekoji 100 Relay such an inspired demonstration of joy, grit, community, and the human spirit.