Turkey’s top-notch athletes have been training in one of Ethiopia’s high-altitude training sites, Sululta, with hopes to clinch the qualifying time required to compete in the marathon and 3,000 meters steeplechase in Tokyo 2020 Olympics (now scheduled from July 23 to Aug. 8, 2021).
The primary goal of the two-month training in Sululta for the 12 athletes, is to prepare the athletes to compete in the championship at Trabzon, northeastern Turkey, which will take place in mid-February. Sululta is surrounded by mountains and has been attracting internationally acclaimed athletes across the world.
“Sululta is an ideal place for training. Due to its high altitude, it helps athletes to gain endurance and stamina,” said Team Leader Bislan Arslan. “The town is plain and it provides a natural running track,” he said. Further, since dietary habits in Ethiopia are similar to that of Turkey, it helps athletes to adapt quickly.”Everyone in the town wants to help, and the Ethiopian Athletics Federation and local officials are also assisting us,” he added. Tourism Ethiopia higher officials organized a visit to Entoto Park and bilateral discussion with the Turkish National Athletics Team on how to work together to promote Ethiopia as the origin of great runners and destination for runners.
