ADDIS ABABA, March 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Nearly 8,000 females took part in the 5km women's race organized for the third time here on Monday under the theme "Let women decide for themselves," the organizing committee said.

    Rehima Kedir of the Muger Club finished first clocking 15:42.77, while Korni Jali of the Defense Club and Makda Harur of Prison Police placed second and third respectively.

    Haile Gebreselassie and Meseret Defar as well as other renowned athletes attended the race. Haile wins four world athletics championships at 10,000 meters, as well as two Olympic gold medals, while Meseret wins women's 5,000m gold medal in the Athens Olympics.

    Various segments of the society, including a four-year-old child, disabled citizens and a number of mothers as well as foreign diplomats took part in the race.

    Ethiopia has a long tradition of an excellent and winning athletics program that has produced among the finest and most remarkable long-distance runners the world has yet seen.

    Despite difficult situations, Ethiopian athletes have brought a good name to their country and hosted the national tri-color, the Green, the Yellow and the Red in every major world athletics meet. Enditem