Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge

The Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge explores the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Rayan Protectorate in the Western Sahara of Egypt, about two hours southwest of Cairo. This unique natural reserve offers diverse terrain with runnable trails, featuring lakes, waterfalls, sand dunes, ancient rock formations, hills and plateaus with stunning views.

The challenge offers various distances in single-stage and multi-stage formats to suit different experience levels and ambitions. Day one takes runners around the lake shores, offering beautiful scenery and excellent photo opportunities with the iconic Wadi Rayan lake as backdrop. Day two ventures into the open desert and hills, an amazing serene space where runners experience the raw beauty of Egypt’s western desert.

The terrain consists mostly of hard trails with some sections of soft sand dunes. Minimal environmental-impact markers guide the way, but runners rely primarily on GPX navigation. This is trail running adventure that combines athletic challenge with natural beauty, making it accessible to both serious endurance runners and power hikers who want to complete a memorable desert experience.

Distance options

Single-stage challenges (Friday, December 5)

30 KM Single Stage

• Distance: 30 km
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 m
• Cut-off Time: 6 hours
• Experience Level: Intermediate trail runners

60 KM Single Stage

• Distance: 60 km
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 m
• Cut-off Time: 12 hours
• Experience Level: Experienced ultra runners

Multi-stage challenges (Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6)

55 KM (Two Stages)

• Day 1: 30 km
• Day 2: 25 km
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 350 m
• Cut-off Times: 6 hours (Day 1), 5 hours (Day 2)
• Experience Level: Intermediate with multi-day experience

85 KM (Two Stages)

• Day 1: 60 km
• Day 2: 25 km
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 m
• Cut-off Times: 12 hours (Day 1), 5 hours (Day 2)
• Experience Level: Experienced ultra runners

110 KM (Two Stages)

• Day 1: 60 km
• Day 2: 50 km
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 m
• Cut-off Times: 12 hours (Day 1), 10 hours (Day 2)
• Experience Level: Highly experienced ultra runners

All distances and elevations are subject to change. Final routes will be provided in GPX files. The generous cut-off times allow power hikers to complete the challenge within the time limits.

Practical information

The Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge takes place from December 4-6, 2025, with challenge dates on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 2025. The event is held at Wadi Rayan Protectorate in the Western Sahara, Fayoum governorate, approximately 200 km southwest of Cairo.

Participants stay at Zowara Ecolodge, easily accessible from Cairo with spacious free parking. Runners are responsible for organizing their own transportation to and from the venue. If flying into Cairo, plan arrival for Wednesday night, December 3, or early Thursday morning, December 4. Do not plan flights out of Cairo before 9:00 PM on Saturday, December 6.

Accommodation at Zowara Ecolodge

Two types of accommodation are available:

• Shared double stone huts with double beds (no single beds)
• Shared double, triple, or quadruple tents with single sleeping mats

The camp has 24/7 electricity, shared bathrooms and showers that are very clean with running hot water. Participants should bring a sleeping bag, mosquito repellent, and a headlamp or torch.

Course support

Checkpoints are positioned approximately every 10-12 kilometers along the route, offering water and fresh fruits. Runners should not rely on checkpoints for fueling and must carry their own nutrition and electrolytes throughout the challenge, especially those with food preferences and allergies.

Navigation

Challenge route GPX files will be shared well in advance. Runners must download the route GPX files onto their sports watches (Garmin, Coros, Suunto, etc.) and/or smartphone GPS navigation applications (Gaya, Wikiloc, Trailforks, etc.). No runner will be allowed to start the challenge without uploading and saving the GPS file to their device. Minimal environmental-impact markers will guide the trail, but GPS navigation is essential.

Mandatory gear

• Running vest with minimum 1L water capacity (bladder and/or bottles)
• Electrolytes (at least 3,000mg sodium plus other electrolytes)
• Nutrition (at least 1,000 Kcal of energy gels, bars, or equivalent)
• Whistle
• Emergency blanket
• Trail running shoes in good condition with socks
• Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing
• Fully charged phone
• Sports watch or smartphone with pre-uploaded GPX route file
• Headlamp or flashlight with primary and spare batteries (for longer distances)
• Small first aid kit

Recommended gear

• Running cap or hat, preferably with neck protection or buff
• Sunglasses
• Sand gaiters
• Sunscreen
• Trekking poles
• Removable arm sleeves
• Blinkers
• Power bank to charge phone

Medical support

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

Family and supporters

Runners’ families and supporters are welcome to join the adventure. Zowara Ecolodge offers various activities, including sandboarding, desert safaris, picnics by the lake, and visits to the Wadi Hitan museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Family and friends’ reservations will be attended to after securing runners’ bookings.

For those running longer distances, support crew can assist at checkpoints and designated points along the route. Support crew are allowed only at checkpoints and specific locations to be announced closer to race dates. Family, friends, and support crew must make arrangements for their own meals.

Costs

Registration fees vary by distance and accommodation type. For current pricing and registration, visit the official event page.

Challenge registration includes:

• Personalized challenge shirt
• Finisher medal
• Checkpoint support throughout the challenge
• Professional photography of runners
• Lunch on challenge days

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.