#TeamTolassa
Tolassa Elemaa, 37, was training to be a world class runner in Ethiopia when his career was cut short as a result of political persecution.
After five years in prison for speaking out against his government, Tolassa was able to flee the country. The United States welcomed him as a refugee, and last year he was resettled by the International Rescue Committee in Dallas.
There, Tolassa joined a local running club and was able to continue his training. His passion, hard work and endurance—despite everything he's been through—have paid off: Less than a year after arriving in the U.S., Tolassa has completed the globally prestigious TCS New York City Marathon.
#TeamTolassa updates
After 5 years in prison for speaking out against his government and less than a year safe in the U.S., this elite athlete—and refugee— just ran his first @nycmarathon. Watch and RT his powerful story! #StandWithRefugees#TeamTolassapic.twitter.com/m53vH0BNIa
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 6, 2018
Congratulations to Tolassa, who successfully completed the @NYCMarathon in 03:02:33 time! Tolassa's passion, hard work and endurance—despite everything he's been through—have paid off. We are so inspired by him! Please RT his incredible story. #TCSNYCMarathon#RefugeesWelcomepic.twitter.com/NMfvTiKTVR
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 4, 2018
Learn more about Tolassa’s story here: https://t.co/YnCg8UNuYW
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 4, 2018
Go Tolassa, go! Continuously inspired by him. IRC staff are around New York City supporting him! #StandWithRefugees@NYCMarathonpic.twitter.com/mianTkpLkf
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 4, 2018
Tolassa is going strong at the #TCSNYCMarathon! He was training to be a world class runner in Ethiopia when his career was cut short as a result of political persecution. After 5 years in prison Tolassa was able to flee the country and last year he was resettled by IRC in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/VrFEByxPWf
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 4, 2018
Today we’re so proud to cheer on Tolassa, an Ethiopian refugee resettled by the IRC in Dallas last year – and competitive runner in the @NYCMarathon! RT to join us in wishing him good luck! Stay tuned for more on #TeamTolassa. #TCSNYCMarathonpic.twitter.com/sVRCG95uuJ
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) November 4, 2018
View this post on InstagramA post shared by International Rescue Committee (@theirc) on
