Challenge info
The Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge 2024 edition has a new twist! This year, you’ll be running along lakes and over sand dunes in the beautiful Fayoum region. The sandy terrain will offer a unique challenge for participants. Whether you’re looking for a serious test of endurance or prefer a more manageable route, there’s something for everyone. Distance and elevation details are still to be confirmed, but expect an exciting experience for both seasoned runners and those seeking a less demanding option.
Date
- 5-7 December 2024
Location
- Wadi Rayan Protectorate, Fayoum
Challenges
- 30 km single stage (Fri 6 Dec)
- 60 km single stage (Fri 6 Dec)
- 55 km 2-stages (30 km Fri 6 Dec + 25 km Sat 7 Dec)
- 110 km 2-stages (60 km Fri 6 Dec + 50 km Sat 7 Dec)
Cut-off times
- Friday: 6 hours for 30 km
- Friday: 11 hours for 60 km
- Saturday: 5 hours for 25 km
- Saturday: 10 hours for 50 km
These are generous cut-off times, allowing power hikers to complete the challenge within the time limits
Check Points
Checkpoints along the route will be stationed approximately every 12 km. Checkpoints will have water and maybe some fruits. Runners should not count on checkpoints for fueling and should carry their own nutrition and electrolytes throughout the challenge.
Challenge Route
The challenge routes are mostly hard trails with some sections of soft sand dunes. Day one will be around the lake shores. Beautiful scenery and excellent photo opportunities with the iconic Wadi Rayan lake kackground. The second day will be in the open desert and hills. An amazing serene space where you will get lost but will find your way back home
The elevation gain is approximately 250 m for the 30 km and 600 m for the 60km, 350 m for the 55 km and 800 m for the 110km (all subject to final GPX file).
The challenge route GPX files will be shared with the runners well in advance before the challenge. Runners must download the route GPX files onto their sports watches (Garmin, Coros, Suunto, etc.) and/or their smartphone GPS navigation application (Gaya, Wikiloc, Trailforks, etc.). No runner will be allowed to start the challenge without the GPS file uploaded and saved on their device.
Mandatory Gear
- Running Vest Min. 1 lt. water capacity (bladder and/or bottles)
- Electrolytes – Min. of 3,000 mg sodium + other electrolytes
- Nutrition – Min. of 1,000 Kcal of energy gels/bars or equivalent
- Whistle and emergency blanket
- Trail running shoes and socks
- Fully charged phone
- Sports watch or smartphone with pre-uploaded GPX route file
- Headlamp for the longer distance runners
Recommended
- Running Cap/hat (preferably w/neck protection or a buff)
- Sunglasses
- Sand gators
Accommodation
We are returning back to Zowara Ecolodge, the same camp we used for 2022 and 2023 challenges:
Located 200 km South West of Cairo, Zowara is easily accessible and offers spacious free parking. Please note that Wadi Rayan lakeside road is partially under renovation. You should take the Asyut desert highway south from Cairo-Fayoum highway, near the Giza Pyramids. We will share driving instructions from Cairo to Zowara. No one got lost in the previous years. Runners should organize their transportation to and back from Zowara
Zowara offers two types of accommodation:
- Shared double stone huts (Double beds. No single beds)
- Shared double/triple/quadruple tents (Single sleeping mats)
- Bathrooms and Showers are shared. Very clean with running hot water
Prices
Final price for Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge 2024 will include:
- Challenge shirt
- Finisher Medal
- Checkpoints support throughout the challenge
- Professional photography of runners
Families and Supporters
Runners’ families and supporters are welcome to join the adventure. Zowara Ecolodge offers many activities such as sand boarding, desert safari, picnic by the lake, Wadi Hitan museum and World Heritage Site, etc.
We will attend to family and friends reservations after securing runners’ bookings.
Challenge Itinerary
Thursday 5 Dec
- 3:00 pm: Runners start arriving at Zowara Ecolodge
- 7:30 pm: Challenge briefing for all runners
- 8:00 pm: Dinner
Friday 6 Dec
- 5:30 am: Breakfast
- 6:30 am: Challenge Start
- 12:30 pm: 30 km challenge cut-off
- 2:00 pm: Lunch
- 5:30 pm: 60 km challenge cut-off
- 8:00 pm: Dinner
* Runners’ lunch is served after they finish their challenge
Saturday 7 Dec
- 5:30 am: Breakfast
- 6:30 am: Challenge Start
- 11:30 pm: 25 km Challenge finish
- 2:00 pm: Lunch
- 4:30 pm: 50 km Challenge cut-off
- 6:00 pm: Runners depart to Cairo
* Runners’ lunch is served after they finish their challenge
The basic questions that often needs answers
You can definitly drop us a message if you need to ask us any question, and we’ve also added the top five questions our community has asked us before.
What is trail running?
Trail running is an outdoor sport that combines running and hiking on natural trails, steering clear of paved or asphalt roads. Unlike road or track running, trail running takes you through rugged, often mountainous terrain with uneven paths and significant ascents and descents, offering a more challenging and immersive experience in nature.
Where can I run?
Trail running allows you to explore diverse uneven paths, from forest trails and mountain paths to other off-road terrains. If you’re in the city, local parks, nature reserves, and national parks are excellent starting points. Joining local trail running groups can help you find popular trails in your area.
In Egypt, the Wadi Degla Protectorate near Cairo is a great choice with its rugged landscapes and varying difficulty levels. For more unique running experiences, consider the Western Desert, St. Catherine Protectorate, the Red Mountains, and the Fayoum Oasis.
Is it safe?
Trail running is as safe as running on flat surfaces if you take some precautions. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time. Stay aware of wildlife and natural hazards like uneven terrain or sudden weather changes. Carry essentials such as a map, water, and a basic first aid kit. Additionally, wear appropriate footwear and clothing suited to the terrain and weather conditions.
How can I join?
Joining a trail running community or group can be done through local running clubs. These groups often organize regular runs and events while providing support for new members. For example, Wadi Ibex, based in Cairo, helps newcomers start their trail running journey. They organize trail running and outdoor adventure events, led by top ultra, endurance, and trail running athletes with international experience, and have runs every Saturday in Wadi Degla.
What should I bring?
For a trail run, make sure to bring the following essentials:
- Appropriate trail running shoes
- Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing
- A hydration pack or water bottle
- Energy snacks or gels
- A map or GPS device
- A first-aid kit
- A mobile phone