Abebe's Rome Marathon Celebrated

Abebe Bikila

The Ethiopian Olympic Commitee said the 50th anniversary of athlete Abebe Bikila's victory in Rome Olympics is being celebrated with various assortments at a national level.

According to a statement the committee sent to ENA Wednesday, the victory of Abebe Bikila in Rome marathon is exemplary to all African athletes and motivated many Africans to join athletics.

The statement further said a photo exhibition depicting the various victories of the athlete was displayed and a maratho race was also organized in Rome to commemorate the athlete.

The committee restored the statue of the athlete in connection with the celebration.

The committee has organized a 10-km race in Addis Ababa to be held on March 27, 2011. More than 10.000 runners are expected to participate in the race.

Abebe Bikila won the 17th Rome Olympics marathon race bareffoted in 1960.