Get formet el sahel early by starting a running routine. If you’re looking for a way to stay active and don’t like hitting the gym, then running might be the exercise for you. We know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but with the weather starting to cool down, going on a run will be even more pleasant and give you a chance to be outside rather than held up indoors.

Seasoned runners agreed that setting a goal before you start can help give you that push to actually get into the spirit of running. Here in Egypt, there’s no shortage of events you can sign up for. Look up your nearest 5k, or a longer distance if you’re feeling brave, and make that your goal. Make sure it’s not too soon so that you have time to feel prepared and get used to your new lifestyle, but also make sure it’s not too far off into the future so you don’t lose your motivation.

Here are some races we’ve been keeping an eye on:

  • Ironman Egypt (TBD but usually in November) — This one’s a triathlon, but there’s the option of signing up for a relay so that two of your friends can get in on the action by swimming or biking or you can try to go all in.
  • Cairo Half Marathon (1 March) — There are a few distance options: 21k, 10k, 5k, or a casual family run.
  • Wadi Degla Ultra Trail (9 March) — The 10k, 30k, and 50k trail options are open to walkers, power hikers, and runners.

Now that you have your eye on the prize,it’s time to move. Joining a community of other runners is a great way to get started. More often than not, members will vary in their experience and level, so you’ll be able to find at least a buddy or two. No matter where you live, we are sure there’s a group near you that you can join. This aids in accountability and makes running a more pleasurable experience. Seeing familiar faces and places as you turn turnip red helps you bond and establish a routine.

If you’re in Maadi, Maadi Athletes are sure to keep you active. They organize group runs regularly, and you’ll meet a lot of the people who participate in races frequently. You can find them on Instagram or Facebook, and ask to join their WhatsApp announcement groups to stay up to date on their excursions. The group even goes as far as to train for triathlons if you’re looking to take your exercise journey to the next level.

Across the Nile, you’ll find the Zamalek Runners probably running along the corniche.This group operates like the Maadi Athletes and will help you join in on a friendly community of like-minded people. Check them out if you live nearby and want to join a team through their Facebook or Instagram profiles.

Other than planning some of the largest running events in Cairo, Cairo Runners hosts big group runs every once in a while. You can stay updated on their website to keep an eye out for their next event. Not only will this improve your fitness, but the group makes sure to plan their routes to pass by landmarks and well-planned trails. All fitness levels are welcome so no need to be intimidated.

City runs not your thing? Wadi Ibex is happy to take you out on the trail. Again, this group plans regular runs along with informational sessions on things like gear prep or nutrition. You can stay up to date via Instagram or WhatsApp. What’s cool is that if there’s a big race coming up, they’ll plan a training program. Right now, you can join the program to prep for the Wadi Degla Ultra Trail race on 9 March. Usually, their group runs are done in the Wadi Degla protectorate but they switch it up to try out different trails in and outside of Cairo.

If you want this to be more of a solo journey, there are a bunch of apps designed to help. Couch to 5k is completely beginner-friendly and stays true to its name. The app eliminates the unknown and just sets you a plan to follow — if you’ve found an upcoming 5k you can even log the date and the app will design a plan catered to that timeline. At first, you’ll do a mixture of walking and running before building up your fitness.

For more independence, try Strava, Garmin, or Runkeeper. Each app lets you log your runs with stats and details. They’re designed to be paired with a sports watch, but your phone alone will suffice and we’d say Runkeeper is the most user-friendly if you don’t have a lot of equipment. Having a visual representation of your runs can serve as a major motivator and you’ll be better able to manage your progress. One cool feature is that it can function similarly to a social media platform where you can see your friends’ runs and leave them comments or likes as motivation. If you’re more private, don’t fret, you can turn this feature off.

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