Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon is Egypt’s flagship running event, allowing participants to race through the Giza Plateau past the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Course Highlights
The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon offers a truly unparalleled running experience, taking participants through the heart of the Giza Plateau. The course is fully pedestrianized, allowing runners to race alongside some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments. The primary highlights include running past the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. One of the most breathtaking moments of the race occurs as runners descend toward the Great Sphinx, offering a unique perspective of this legendary landmark. The route is paved and offers wide, open vistas of the desert plateau, providing a stark and beautiful backdrop for every kilometer of the journey.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th, with the main race events kicking off at 07:00 AM. Organized by The TriFactory, Egypt’s leading sports event management company, the race features three primary distances: the 21K Half Marathon, a 10K race, and a 5K fun run. Both the 10K and 21K courses are AIMS-certified (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), ensuring they meet international standards for distance and organization. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and inclines, particularly on the 10K and 21K routes, which include a significant descent toward the Sphinx followed by a challenging incline back up to the finish line area. The event uses the MyLaps Timing System to ensure precise electronic timing for all participants. Runners are required to collect their race packs at the official Race Expo held at the Mall of Arabia in El Sheikh Zayed in the days preceding the event.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from over 80 nationalities flock to Giza for the opportunity to #RaceThroughHistory. The event is celebrated not just for its athletic challenge, but for its profound sense of place. There are very few races in the world that allow participants to compete in the shadow of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of runners starting their journey just as the sun begins to illuminate the limestone surfaces of the pyramids. Participants often praise the excellent organization, the supportive community of local and international athletes, and the high-quality finisher medals that often feature intricate ancient Egyptian designs. The accessibility of the event, with distances catering to elite athletes and casual runners alike, makes it a festive celebration of health and history. Beyond the race, the location in Greater Cairo offers runners the chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Egypt, from the Grand Egyptian Museum to the vibrant streets of the capital.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this legendary event. Registration is now open for the 2026 edition. Secure your spot on the starting line and prepare for the run of a lifetime by visiting the official Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon website.
At a Glance
- Location: Giza, Giza Governorate — Egypt
- Next Date: 2026-12-12
- Distances: [’21K’, ’10K’, ‘5K’]
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.thetrifactory.com/MarakezPyramidsHalfMarathon2026
Giza, Giza Governorate 12556 Egypt
The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon is Egypt’s flagship running event, allowing participants to race through the Giza Plateau past the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Course Highlights
The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon offers a truly unparalleled running experience, taking participants through the heart of the Giza Plateau. The course is fully pedestrianized, allowing runners to race alongside some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments. The primary highlights include running past the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. One of the most breathtaking moments of the race occurs as runners descend toward the Great Sphinx, offering a unique perspective of this legendary landmark. The route is paved and offers wide, open vistas of the desert plateau, providing a stark and beautiful backdrop for every kilometer of the journey.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th, with the main race events kicking off at 07:00 AM. Organized by The TriFactory, Egypt’s leading sports event management company, the race features three primary distances: the 21K Half Marathon, a 10K race, and a 5K fun run. Both the 10K and 21K courses are AIMS-certified (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), ensuring they meet international standards for distance and organization. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and inclines, particularly on the 10K and 21K routes, which include a significant descent toward the Sphinx followed by a challenging incline back up to the finish line area. The event uses the MyLaps Timing System to ensure precise electronic timing for all participants. Runners are required to collect their race packs at the official Race Expo held at the Mall of Arabia in El Sheikh Zayed in the days preceding the event.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from over 80 nationalities flock to Giza for the opportunity to #RaceThroughHistory. The event is celebrated not just for its athletic challenge, but for its profound sense of place. There are very few races in the world that allow participants to compete in the shadow of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of runners starting their journey just as the sun begins to illuminate the limestone surfaces of the pyramids. Participants often praise the excellent organization, the supportive community of local and international athletes, and the high-quality finisher medals that often feature intricate ancient Egyptian designs. The accessibility of the event, with distances catering to elite athletes and casual runners alike, makes it a festive celebration of health and history. Beyond the race, the location in Greater Cairo offers runners the chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Egypt, from the Grand Egyptian Museum to the vibrant streets of the capital.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this legendary event. Registration is now open for the 2026 edition. Secure your spot on the starting line and prepare for the run of a lifetime by visiting the official Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon website.
At a Glance
- Location: Giza, Giza Governorate — Egypt
- Next Date: 2026-12-12
- Distances: [’21K’, ’10K’, ‘5K’]
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.thetrifactory.com/MarakezPyramidsHalfMarathon2026