Community Runs
Weekly physician-led runs open to all fitness levels. Free, welcoming, and built around community.
Founded by Physicians. Built for the Community.
Health Beyond the Hospital
A physician-founded community health movement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
We don't wait for illness. We run toward prevention.
Who We Are
Physicians Who Run. Communities Who Rise.
Est. 2024MedBeyond Run Club was founded by practicing physicians in Addis Ababa who believe that the most powerful medicine is often practiced outside the hospital. We run together — physicians and community members side by side — because we know that example travels further than prescription. What started as a small group of doctors running on Sunday mornings has grown into a movement committed to preventive health, physician wellness, and community transformation.
What We Do
Six ways we take health beyond the hospital
Health Screenings
Free NCD screening events — blood pressure, blood glucose, cardiac risk — delivered at run events.
Health Education
Physician-led webinars, public lectures, and talks making medical knowledge accessible to everyone.
Physician Wellness
Physicians need care too. We build a culture where doctors prioritize their own health — modeling what they prescribe.
Beyond the Clinic
Preventive health programming that reaches communities before disease does — on streets, in parks, in real life.
Research & Impact
We measure what we do. Our programs generate real health data that informs public health policy and academic research.
Mission
To harness the collective power of physician leadership and community running to promote preventive health, foster wellness culture, and reduce the burden of lifestyle-related disease.
Vision
A world where every community has access to physician-led wellness programs — and where running is recognized as medicine.
Values
- Prevention Over Cure
- Physician Presence
- Radical Accessibility
- Community as Medicine
- Evidence First
- Joy in Motion
Meet the Founders
The physicians behind the movement
Dr. Sifessa Dessalegn
Founder & Executive Director
Internal Medicine physician and public health advocate committed to prevention-first medicine.
Dr. Bikila Tesfa
Co-Founder & Medical Director
Physician leader driving the clinical integrity of every MedBeyond program.
Dr. Hika Chernet
Co-Founder & Programs Director
Architect of MedBeyond's community programs and run experiences.
Dr. Zelalem Getahun
Board Member
Ensuring financial accountability and institutional sustainability.
Dr. Maraki Mehari
Board Member
Building community relationships and driving outreach strategy.
Come Run With Us
You don't have to be fast. You don't have to be fit. You just have to show up.
Follow us on social media
Run times and meeting points are posted there first.
Show up on Sunday morning
Bring water and whatever shoes you own. That is the whole kit list.
Run, connect, recharge
Go at your own pace. Nobody finishes alone.