Red Sea Hurghada Challenge

The Red Sea Hurghada Challenge is a destination trail running event set in the Shayeb Elbanat mountain range, west of Hurghada. This desert landscape features vast open valleys, rugged rocky hills, mountain paths carved through stone, and hidden palm oases rarely visited by outsiders.

Two distances are offered: 25K and 45K. Both are loop courses starting and finishing at the same location. The terrain varies throughout, with valleys alternating between hard-packed earth and softer sand, while hills and climbs are predominantly rocky with several semi-technical sections requiring confident footwork.

2. Categories

25K Challenge

• Description: Mid-distance trail challenge
• Cut-off Time: 6 hours
• Experience Level: Intermediate runners with trail experience

45K Challenge

• Description: Long-distance desert trail
• Cut-off Time: 9 hours
• Experience Level: Experienced trail runners

Cut-off times may be adjusted based on weather and race-day conditions. All distances and elevation figures are approximate.

3. Practical Information

Event Dates

• Travel Dates: Thursday, February 12 – Saturday, February 14
• Challenge Date: Friday, February 13, 2026

Location

The challenge takes place in the Shayeb Elbanat Mountains, west of Hurghada, Egypt. The course consists of loop routes starting and finishing at the same location in this desert hills and low-elevation mountain environment.

Event Schedule

Thursday, February 12:

• 10:00 AM: Departure from Cairo
• 3:00 PM: Arrival in Hurghada
• 6:00 PM: Race briefing
• 7:00 PM: Dinner

Friday, February 13:

• 5:30 AM: Departure from the hotel with breakfast to go
• 7:00 AM: Challenge start
• 4:00 PM: Cut-off time
• 7:00 PM: Dinner

Saturday, February 14:

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast
• Beach recovery and relaxation
• 3:00 PM: Departure to Cairo
• 8:00 PM: Arrival in Cairo

Course Support

Checkpoints are positioned approximately every 10 km along both courses and provide water only. Runners must carry all required nutrition and electrolytes for their chosen distance. No drop bags are available. Challenge marshals at checkpoints provide basic first aid, and in emergency cases, injured participants will be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or hospital.

Mandatory Gear Requirements

All participants must carry:

• Running vest with a minimum 1 liter water capacity
• Electrolytes
• Nutrition is sufficient for the selected distance
• Trail running shoes
• Fully charged smartphone
• A sports watch or smartphone with a pre-loaded GPX route file
• Sun protection (cap or buff)
• Headlamp (for 45K)

Recommended Gear

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Running poles (recommended for 45K, optional for 25K)
• Emergency calories (especially for 45K)

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.

Accommodation and Transportation

Participants stay in shared double rooms on a half-board basis at the Giftun Azur Resort, Hurghada. Challenge registration includes round-trip bus transportation from Cairo to Hurghada on Thursday, February 12 (departing 10 AM, arriving 3 PM) and return on Saturday, February 14 (departing 3 PM, arriving 8 PM).

4. Costs

Registration Fee

• 14,000 EGP for either distance (25K or 45K)

What’s Included in Registration

• Half board accommodation in a shared double room at Giftun Azur Hurghada Resort
• Breakfast and dinner starting Thursday dinner and ending Saturday breakfast (Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request, inform organizers of food allergies)
• Personalized challenge shirt
• Finisher’s medal
• Checkpoint support
• Professional photography
• Round-trip transportation from/to Cairo

Medical Insurance

Personal medical insurance is recommended. Challenge marshals provide basic first aid at checkpoints, and in emergency cases, injured participants will be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or hospital.

5. Organizer

Ultra Ibex is a Cairo-based organizer of trail running and outdoor adventure events, founded by members of Wadi Ibex, Egypt’s first trail running team. The organization is led by experienced ultra-endurance and trail running athletes. Ultra Ibex organizes trail running events throughout Egypt, including the Red Sea Hurghada Challenge, Wadi Degla Trail, Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge, Sinai Mountain Challenge, Roody 50x, and Sinai Exodus Challenge.

For inquiries and registration support, contact Ultra Ibex at info@ultraibex.com, via WhatsApp at +20 100 837 28 67, or by phone at +20 122 318 9210. Visit ultraibex.com for complete race information and registration.