Sinai Exodus Challenge

Sinai Exodus Challenge is a limited-entry trail running event taking place in the historic area of Serabit El-Khadim, located in southwestern Sinai, approximately 350 kilometers from Cairo. Serabit El-Khadim is famous for its ancient turquoise mines and the Temple of Hathor, dating back to Ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. Some biblical scholars suggest that this area is possibly part of the route of the Exodus, as it lies along paths from Egypt to Canaan and has historic Semitic sites.

The event features two distance options: a 30 km challenge and a 60 km challenge. Both are loop courses starting at Serabit Camp on the edge of Serabit El-Khadem village. The routes consist primarily of hard-packed earth trails, with a semi-technical mountain section and some loose sandy sections, providing a versatile trail running experience with breathtaking scenery.

The 30 km challenge follows a loop going up Serabit mountain to Hathor Temple and back to the camp. The 60 km challenge shares the first section with the 30 km route up to the temple, then branches out into a larger loop through Serabit desert and El-Teeh mountain valley before returning to the camp. The 60 km challenge takes runners through various landscapes and tests endurance and determination.

Distance options

30 KM Challenge

• Distance: 30 km
• Elevation Gain: 400 m+
• Cut-off Time: 12 hours
• Route: Loop starting at Serabit Camp, climbing Serabit mountain to Hathor Temple and back
• Experience Level: Intermediate trail runners

60 KM Challenge

• Distance: 60 km
• Elevation Gain: 800 m+
• Cut-off Time: 12 hours
• Route: Loop through Serabit mountain, Serabit desert, and El-Teeh mountain valley
• Experience Level: Experienced ultra runners

Distances and elevations are subject to change. Final routes will be provided in GPX files. Specific age requirements are not stated.

Practical information

The Sinai Exodus Challenge 2026 takes place from November 5-7, 2026, with the challenge date on Friday, November 7, 2026. The event is held at Serabit El-Khadim, Sinai, Egypt.

Event schedule

• Thursday, November 6: Depart Cairo at 9:00 AM, arrive at Serabit Camp by 2:00 PM, lunch at 3:00 PM, challenge briefing at 6:00 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM
• Friday, November 7: Breakfast at 5:30 AM, challenge start at 6:00 AM, lunch at camp (served after runners finish), cut-off at 6:00 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, November 8: Breakfast at 8:00 AM, depart Serabit Camp at 9:00 AM, arrive Cairo at 6:00 PM

The drive from Cairo to Serabit El-Khadim takes approximately 4-5 hours. Registration includes roundtrip bus transportation from Cairo (Maadi neighborhood, South Cairo).

Navigation

There will be no or minimal markings on both challenge routes. Runners are solely responsible for navigation. GPX route files will be provided ahead of the challenge and must be uploaded on sports watches and GPS-enabled smartphones. No participant will be allowed to start the challenge without the GPX file uploaded and saved on their device. A briefing session will be held on Thursday night to answer questions.

Aid stations

Aid stations for both routes are positioned approximately every 10 km. Only water and fresh fruits are provided at aid stations. Runners are responsible for carrying their own nutrition and electrolytes throughout the challenge.

Mandatory gear requirements

• Running vest with minimum 1 liter water capacity (bladder and/or bottles)
• Trail running shoes and clothing
• Whistle and emergency blanket
• Fully charged smartphone with pre-uploaded GPX route file or GPS sports watch with pre-uploaded GPX route file
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Nutrition (minimum 1,000 Kcal) and electrolytes (minimum 3,000 mg sodium)
• Small first aid kit
• 200 EGP in cash

Recommended gear

• Running cap or hat, preferably with neck protection or buff
• Sunglasses
• Sand gaiters
• Sunscreen
• Trekking or trail running poles
• Power bank to charge phone

Additional items to pack

• Sleeping bag, pillow, earplugs (bed sheet if needed, camp provides mattresses only)
• Warm layers, jacket, gloves, ice cap
• Headlamp, batteries, and spare batteries
• Toiletries, towel, toilet paper
• Slippers
• Special medications and personal items
• Preferred beverages and snacks

Accommodation

Registration includes standard shared accommodation at the base camp. The camp has running water, electricity, shared showers, and toilets. Weather will be pleasant during daytime and cold at night.

Standard accommodation (included)

Large shared sheds with separate areas for men and women. Participants sleep on mattresses on the ground provided by the camp. Each shed accommodates 15-20 people. Open camping space is available for those who prefer to bring their own tent.

Optional upgrade (additional 1,000 EGP per person)

Limited number of double occupancy brick rooms (no bathroom) with either one large bed or two twin beds. Available on first-come, first-served basis.

A separate large tent in the camp is available where meals are served and participants can socialize and relax.

Notes for international travelers

• Plan arrival in Cairo on Wednesday, November 5, and book accommodation in Maadi neighborhood, South Cairo
• Do not plan flights out of Cairo before 9:00 PM on Saturday, November 8
• An additional 25 USD cash security permit fee is required for all non-Egyptians (bring exact change)
• Base camp has good mobile network coverage, but the challenge route has limited or no coverage

This is a limited-entry challenge with priority given to runners. Available spots for families and support crew are not guaranteed.

Costs

For current pricing and registration, visit the official event page.

What’s included in registration

• Roundtrip bus transportation from/to Cairo
• Shed accommodation in the camp
• All meals starting with lunch on Thursday and ending with breakfast on Saturday
• Personalized challenge shirt with name
• Finisher medal
• Aid station support, water, and fresh fruits
• Professional photography during the challenge

Medical support

Challenge team at aid stations provides basic first aid. In emergency cases, injured participants will be evacuated to the nearest hospital. Personal medical insurance is recommended.

Organizer

Ultra Ibex is a Cairo-based trail running and outdoor adventure events organizer, 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 Sinai Mountain Challenge, Red Sea Hurghada Challenge, Wadi Degla Trail, Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge, Roody 50x, and Sinai Exodus Challenge.