Monday, 25 May 2026
Luxor welcomes runners from 50 countries for Egypt International Marathon
Against the stunning backdrop of ancient temples and the majestic Nile, the city of Luxor played host to the 33rd edition of the Egypt International Marathon this week. Celebrated as the oldest internationally recognized marathon in Africa and the Middle East, the event welcomed over 1,000 runners from 50 different nations, underscoring Egypt’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism.
The marathon, held under the patronage and supervision of Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and organized by Event Sport, continues to showcase Egypt’s sporting heritage and its impressive capacity to host major international events. This year, the race saw a remarkable 65% of participants coming from outside Egypt, with several nationalities joining for the first time—a testament to the marathon’s rising global profile.
Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, expressed pride in the event’s success, noting that the strong international turnout reflects the world’s confidence in Egypt’s organizational abilities. “The Luxor International Marathon stands as a successful model of professional sports organization. It highlights Egypt’s position as a trusted host for athletes and federations from around the globe,” he said. “We are committed to promoting both community and competitive sports, supporting sports tourism, and enhancing Egypt’s image as a world-class destination for international events.”
The marathon featured a variety of distances, with the flagship 42-kilometer full marathon producing thrilling results. Ahmed Mohesin of Jordan secured first place in the men’s category, followed by Egypt’s Hassan Marzouk in second and Hammam Mahmoud in third. In the women’s division, Margaret from the United States claimed first place, followed by Ara (Italy) and Maria (France).
The event is part of the Ministry's extensive calendar to attract global sporting events and stimulate international participation. The success of the Luxor International Marathon not only promotes a healthy and active lifestyle but also plays a vital role in boosting Egypt’s sports tourism sector and reinforcing the nation’s standing on the global stage.
From the sun-drenched avenues of Luxor to finish lines around the world, the Egypt International Marathon continues to embody the spirit of unity, endurance, and international friendship—reminding us all of the joy and power of sport to bring people together in a truly global celebration.