Olympic gold-medallist long-distance runner, Derartu Tulu, will run alongside participants from around the world at the fourth WHO Walk the Talk, which takes place on Sunday, 21 May 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The event aims to encourage people to come together and have fun while exercising, raise awareness about WHO’s mission toward quality health for all, and to celebrate the importance of partnership during WHO's 75th anniversary.
"I'm excited to join this year's runners at this year's Walk the Talk in order to promote an active, happy, and healthy lifestyle. I'm thrilled to be joining fellow champions Paul Tergetand Haile Gebrselassie, as well as the many others who are passionate about sport and exercise,” said Derartu Tulu. “It's critical to hold international events like these to promote collectiveness in an area that concerns us all – public health. Having participants from a variety of different backgrounds striving towards one common goal also fosters new connections and understandings, encouraging solidarity for global safety and peace. I'm looking forward to the event!"
Widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history, Derartu had an illustrious cross country career, coming first in 16 international competitions, including gold medals for the 10 000 meter event at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona (when she became Ethiopia's first female Olympic gold medalist) and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She ended her international career in style, winning the 2009 New York Marathon at 37 years old.
Derartu has continued to have a positive influence on athletics after her racing days, serving as the president of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) since November 2018. She was recently honored by the International Authority on Development (IGAD) for her contributions to peace in Ethiopia.
Be sure to join Derartu and others at Walk the Talk by registering here.