About Gada Global

Professional Race Production
in Washington, DC

Gada Global Inc. produces timed road races and community events in the Washington DC metropolitan area. We design, staff and operate each event end to end — registration, course operations, live timing and post-event reporting.

Our Story

Rooted in the Gadaa System

Gada Global is the events arm of Gada Global Inc., a registered company producing professionally organized races, fitness events and wellness initiatives. We are here to promote healthy lifestyles, build stronger neighbourhoods, and put on events where every community in the region feels expected rather than merely permitted.

The name Gada comes from the Gadaa System, an indigenous democratic governance system developed by the Oromo people and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Rooted in values of inclusive leadership, equality, accountability, justice, and respect for human dignity, Gadaa inspires our commitment to creating spaces where everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered.

Founded by visionary entrepreneurs, community leaders, and passionate athletes, Gada Global believes that every finish line represents more than a race — it represents determination, resilience, unity, and hope.

Runners at sunrise
UNESCO

“Whether you are an elite runner, a first-time participant, or a family enjoying a walk together, you belong to Gada Global. We bring people together through the power of running to inspire healthier lives, meaningful connections, and positive impact — one step at a time.”

Our Vision

To become the leading community-driven running organization that inspires healthier lives, empowers athletes, and brings diverse communities together through the transformative power of running.

We envision a future where every race strengthens friendships, promotes wellness, supports youth development, and creates opportunities for athletes while building lasting social and economic impact.

Our Mission

We operate to a professional standard: permitted courses, staffed race-day operations, published results within minutes of the finish, and a written report to every partner after the event.

  • Produce safe, well-run events that people return to year after year
  • Bring communities together regardless of age, background, or ability
  • Welcome participants from every community, background and ability
  • Support current and former athletes with recognition and mentorship
  • Inspire youth to pursue healthy, disciplined, and active lives
  • Give corporate and nonprofit partners measurable visibility and access
  • Operate sustainably, reinvesting in the events and the communities they serve
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Health

Encouraging lifelong physical and mental wellness.

Unity

Bringing people together through sport.

Respect

Valuing every participant and volunteer.

Excellence

Delivering professional, safe, and memorable events.

Integrity

Acting with honesty and accountability.

Community

Serving and giving back.

Inspiration

Empowering future generations.

Event Portfolio

Our Events

From competitive races to family fitness mornings, Gada Global organizes events that bring people together and promote healthy living.

FLAGSHIP

Gada Global 5K Peace Run (5K)

Our flagship annual road race, open to every community. Inaugural event: October 3, 2026 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, Washington DC.

FAMILY

Family Fun Run & Kids Dash

A family-focused community event designed to get kids active and families moving together in a fun, non-competitive environment.

CORPORATE

Corporate Wellness Challenge

Teams from companies compete while promoting workplace wellness. A great team-building experience that supports employee health.

UNITY

Unity Run

Celebrating diversity and bringing communities together through running. Open to all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.

WOMEN

Women Empowerment Run

Supporting women's health, leadership, and empowerment through a dedicated running event that uplifts and inspires.

CHARITY

Charity Run for Education & Health

Raising funds for community causes. Every mile run contributes to education and health initiatives that make a difference.

A Legacy of Champions

A Legacy of Distance Running

For decades, runners from the Ethiopian highlands have shaped distance running on the world stage. Gada Global takes its inspiration from that standard, and puts on races where the next generation — from anywhere — can find their own start line.

Abebe Bikila
1960

Abebe Bikila

1960 & 1964 Olympic Marathon Gold

The barefoot champion from Jato, Oromia who stunned the world in Rome and became the first African Olympic gold medalist in history.

Derartu Tulu
1992

Derartu Tulu

1992 & 2000 Olympic 10,000m Gold

First Black African woman to win Olympic gold. Her victory lap with Elana Meyer became one of sport’s most iconic moments of unity.

Kenenisa Bekele
2004

Kenenisa Bekele

3x Olympic Gold, 5K & 10K WR

Born in Bekoji, Oromia. Widely regarded as the greatest distance runner ever with 17 World Championship and Olympic medals.

Tirunesh Dibaba
2008

Tirunesh Dibaba

3x Olympic Gold, 5K & 10K

The ‘Baby Faced Destroyer’ from Bekoji who dominated distance running and became Ethiopia’s most decorated female Olympian.

Continue the Legacy

From Abebe Bikila's barefoot marathon in Rome to the track today, these runners changed what the sport looks like. Gada Global brings that spirit to Rock Creek Park — and opens the line to everybody.

Join the Race
Partner With Us

Become a Sponsor

Partner with Gada Global to connect with thousands of participants while demonstrating your commitment to health, diversity, and community development.

Join the Movement

Ready to Run With Us?

Registration is open for the inaugural Gada Global 5K Peace Run. Be part of something bigger than a race.