Thursday night, we went to get our race numbers, t-shirts, and bags. Friendly atmosphere and a smooth experience. There was live music at Abu el Tig El Gouna Piazza and free Koshary dishes served by the organizers themselves.
They explained the route, rules, and instructions for tomorrow’s big event.
The race started the next day exactly as planned at 7:15 am. They prepared the cameras with a Hasaballah band and it was a perfect start.
Every 3k there was a water stop, every 4k refreshment stop where you can grab a banana or dates, medical stops, and toilets were available throughout the route.
Live entertainment was there every few kilometers, a guy playing rock music on a hill with his guitar loud and clear, clowns around the corners, and a couple of drums every now and then.
Photographers and video directors were there too, and to top it, young children wearing race t-shirts cheering as you approach the finish line.
To be honest, I was expecting a nicer scenery route, especially that the race is held in El Gouna, I expected running by the water and through the golf courses, but in fact, most of the route was through the desert.
But I expect that it wasn’t possible because of security concerns for passing through the different hotel properties.
The finish line was very well prepared as you expect from any international race.
The after-race party was superb, with live music by HOH, Hany Adel, and Hany el Daqaq.
Bottom line, excellent job by the CairoRunners team, thank you.