Red Sea Hurghada Challenge

Experience the untamed beauty of Egypt’s Red Sea mountains in this unique desert trail running challenge. Set for February 2027, runners will navigate remote valleys, rocky peaks, and hidden oases in one of the country’s most dramatic and rarely explored landscapes.

Register

Race info

The Red Sea Hurghada Challenge takes place in the Shayeb Elbanat mountain range, west of Hurghada. This dramatic high-hills, low-elevation desert landscape features vast open valleys, rugged rocky hills, mountain paths carved through stone, and hidden palm oases rarely seen by outsiders.

The terrain varies throughout the course, with valleys alternating between hard-packed earth and softer sand, while hills and climbs are predominantly rocky, with several semi-technical sections requiring attention and confident footwork. Both routes are loop courses, starting and finishing at the same location.

Dates

  • Travel: TBD
  • Challenge Date: TBD

Race Distances and Prices

Register for your preferred distance and challenge yourself in a unique desert trail running experience. The registration fee is the same for either distance and includes accommodation, meals, transportation from Cairo, a personalized shirt, a finisher’s medal, checkpoint support, and professional photography.

  • 45K Challenge – A long-distance desert trail for experienced runners
  • 25K Challenge – A demanding mid-distance trail challenge

All distances and elevation figures are approximate.

Frequently asked and important questions

These questions and answers provide key information to help you prepare for the challenge. Review them carefully so you’re ready to get the most out of the experience.

Contact
What are the registration fees?
The registration fee is 14,000 EGP for either distance (25K or 45K).
What is included in the registration fee?
  • Half board accommodation in shared double room at Giftun Azur Hurghada Resort
  • Breakfast and dinner starting Thursday dinner and ending Saturday breakfast (Vegetarian & Vegan options available upon request)
  • Personalized challenge shirt
  • Finisher’s Medal
  • Checkpoints support
  • Professional photography
  • Roundtrip transportation from/to Cairo
What are the accommodation options?
Participants will stay in double rooms on half board at the Giftun Azur Resort, Hurghada. More details at: https://www.azurhospitality.com/en/hurghada/hotel/giftun-azur-resort
How about the transportation?
Challenge registration includes bus transportation from Cairo to Hurghada and back:

  • Thursday 12 February: Cairo to Hurghada (departing 10AM, arriving 3PM)
  • Saturday 14 February: Hurghada to Cairo (departing 3PM, arriving 8PM)
What is the mandatory gear?
  • Running vest with minimum 1 liter water capacity
  • Electrolytes
  • Nutrition sufficient for selected distance
  • Trail running shoes
  • Fully charged smartphone
  • Sports watch or smartphone with pre-loaded GPX route file
  • Sun protection (cap or buff)
  • Headlamp for 45K
What is the recommended gear?
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Running poles (recommended for 45K, optional for 25K)
  • Emergency calories (especially for 45K)
What are the navigation requirement?
  • GPX route files will be provided prior to race day
  • All runners must download and use the GPX file on their sports watch and/or GPS navigation app
  • No participant will be allowed to start the challenge without the GPX file available on their device
What about the medical support?
Challenge marshals at checkpoints will provide basic first aid. In emergency cases, injured participants will be evacuated to the nearest medical facility/hospital. Personal medical insurance is recommended.
Where are the aid stations located?
Checkpoints will be positioned approximately every 10 km along both courses and will provide water only. Runners must carry all required nutrition and electrolytes for their chosen distance. No drop bags will be available.
What is the cut-off time?
  • 45K: 9 hours
  • 25K: 6 hours

Cut-off times may be adjusted based on weather and race-day conditions.