Who Runs the World? Pharaohs.

Running the Pyramids Half Marathon in Cairo, Egypt

Egypt and a half marathon? Let’s run it back—literally.

I had the opportunity to travel to Cairo, Egypt, to run the annual Pyramids Half Marathon, a race that takes place directly through the Giza pyramid grounds. Running 13.1 miles alongside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks was just as surreal as it sounds. Here’s how we navigated Cairo and Giza, what to expect from the race, and why international races are worth adding to your travel plans.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

We stayed in Giza, close to the pyramids and the race start, at Nut Pyramids Hotel. The hotel’s view of the pyramids was breathtaking, and the staff went above and beyond—helping us navigate the area and arranging transportation. Staying in the center of Giza did mean loud nights, but it was mostly celebration and late-night activity, and we always felt safe.

Transportation-wise, Cairo and Giza are not walkable cities. We relied heavily on Ubers, often traveling 30 minutes or more between locations. Ubers typically cost around 5 euros, while hotel-arranged airport transfers were closer to 25 euros. Some drivers may request cash upon pickup; you can cancel and request another ride if needed.

We also spent time walking through Old Cairo, visiting churches and browsing small shops. Bargaining is part of the culture and is best approached with patience and kindness. When visiting as a tourist, giving back where possible is always appreciated.

Running the Pyramids Half Marathon

The Pyramids Half Marathon, held on December 13, was one of the most challenging and rewarding races I’ve ever run. While the early morning temperatures felt cool, the open desert environment warmed up quickly, and I finished the race feeling overheated.

The race was well organized, with plenty of bathrooms, water stations, bananas, and vendor areas before and after the run. However, the course is not easy. There are multiple elevation changes, steep downhills, and long climbs that require both physical and mental preparation.

The race expo took place at Arab Mall over two days. Your bib pickup included a race shirt, string backpack, wristbands, and bag-check materials. One of the best perks was that after the race, your wristband granted full access to the pyramid grounds and the Sphinx, making the experience even more unforgettable.

Running through the desert with the pyramids in view was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

                                                                                Running the half marathon

Finding International Races

If you’re interested in racing abroad, Ahotu is a great resource. I’ve now used it for two international half marathons—one in Porto, Portugal, and one in Giza, Egypt. The site allows you to search by race type, continent, and terrain, making it easy to find races that fit your schedule and experience level.

Ahotu link

                                                                                                 Race bibs

Activities in Cairo and Giza

After the race, we took a one-hour Nile River cruise booked through GetYourGuide. It was a relaxing way to recover and take in the city, with transportation included and helpful guides throughout.

We also visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, which recently opened. We spent several hours exploring the exhibits after eating at the on-site restaurant. Seeing artifacts recovered from the ocean was especially fascinating and offered a deeper understanding of Egypt’s history beyond what you learn in a classroom.

Nile river tour

Cairo grand museum tickets

                                                                              Part of the Grand Egyptian Museum

Reflection: Why This Experience Mattered

Running an international race while studying abroad reminded me why travel is such a powerful extension of education. Being able to challenge myself physically in a completely unfamiliar environment pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence and adaptability. Experiences like this go far beyond sightseeing—they allow you to engage with a place in a meaningful, memorable way. Studying abroad gives you the flexibility and perspective to say yes to opportunities like this, and I’m grateful I took advantage of it.

Final Thoughts

Egypt was an unforgettable destination, and running the Pyramids Half Marathon made the experience even more meaningful. Seeing structures built thousands of years ago while participating in a modern race was a powerful reminder of how travel connects past and present. If you ever have the chance to visit Egypt—whether for a race or not—it’s absolutely worth it.