From December onwards the Yaya Village Hotel was a training mecca for elites like Taoufik Maklhoufi, the Dibaba sisters, Ayale Suleiman, Julia Bleasdale, Balla Abdulrahman and Tariku Bekele. It was magical, inspiring and flat out intimidating to walk into the gym and be surrounded by such a grossly talented and hardworking group of athletes.
One of the most important factors that sets the Yaya Village Hotel apart as an ideal training ground for runners of all levels are the endless trails that surround the hotel. Tucked away in the foothills of the Entoto mountains, and located just on the outskirts of Addis only a short 30-45 minute drive away from the city, the Yaya Village Hotel sits beautifully in a vast expanse of rolling fields.