The Sinai Mountain Challenge is a limited-entry event in the St. Katherine Protectorate mountain range, in Sinai. The challenge takes in some of St. Katherine's well-known peaks, including Mt. St. Katherine, the highest peak in Egypt at around 2,640 metres above sea level.
There are three distance options to suit different experience levels. The Four Peaks Challenge takes in Mt. Abbas, Mt. Moses, Mt. St. Katherine, and Mt. Sefsafa. The Three Peaks Challenge covers Mt. Abbas, Mt. Moses, and Mt. St. Katherine. The Two Peaks Challenge takes in Mt. Moses and Mt. St. Katherine. Cut-off times are set generously so power walkers and hikers can finish.
The terrain is rocky and semi-technical in several places, with a mix of rocky trails, technical mountain sections, and hard-packed valley paths between softer ground. The scenery is one of the main reasons people sign up: the peaks of the St. Katherine Protectorate sit right around you for most of the course. The challenge starts at the Secret Garden mountain lodge at 1,900 metres above sea level and finishes at Ramadan Garden mountain lodge, at the foot of Mt. St. Katherine.
Distance Options
Four Peaks Challenge
- Peaks: Mt. Abbas, Mt. Moses, Mt. St. Katherine, Mt. Sefsafa
- Distance: 35 km
- Elevation gain: 2,400 m+
- Cut-off time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Experience level: Experienced mountain runners
Three Peaks Challenge
- Peaks: Mt. Abbas, Mt. Moses, Mt. St. Katherine
- Distance: 32 km
- Elevation gain: 2,000 m+
- Cut-off time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Experience level: Intermediate to experienced runners
Two Peaks Challenge
- Peaks: Mt. Moses, Mt. St. Katherine
- Distance: 28 km
- Elevation gain: 1,800 m+
- Cut-off time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Experience level: Intermediate runners and hikers
Distances and elevation figures are subject to change. Final routes are provided as GPX files. Because of the high elevation gain, please train well before race day.
Practical Information
Event Dates
April 2027. The exact dates and registration opening will be announced closer to the event.
Location
St. Katherine Protectorate mountain range, in Sinai. The challenge starts at the Secret Garden mountain lodge (Base Camp 1) at 1,900 metres above sea level and finishes at Ramadan Garden mountain lodge (Base Camp 2), at the foot of Mt. St. Katherine.
Event Schedule
The full event runs over three days: travel from Cairo to St. Katherine, lunch, and a hike up to Base Camp 1 with dinner and a race briefing; the challenge day with an early breakfast at Base Camp 1, the race itself, a Bedouin dinner, and the medal ceremony round a campfire at Base Camp 2; and a final morning with breakfast, the walk back to St. Katherine, and the return to Cairo. Detailed timings will be shared closer to the event.
Course Support and Checkpoints
Checkpoints are positioned roughly every 6 to 8 km along the route and provide water only. Runners must carry their own nutrition and electrolytes for the whole challenge. All participants must check in at each checkpoint. Race organisers and marshals monitor safety and provide basic first aid at checkpoints.
Mandatory Gear
All participants must carry:
- Running vest with at least 1 litre water capacity in bladder and/or bottles
- Electrolytes (at least 3,000 mg sodium plus other electrolytes)
- Nutrition (at least 1,000 kcal of 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 the GPX route file loaded
- Headlamp or flashlight with primary and spare batteries
- Small first aid kit
Recommended Gear
- Running cap or hat, preferably with neck protection or a buff
- Sunglasses
- Sand gaiters
- Sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Removable arm sleeves
- Blinkers
- Power bank for your phone
Navigation
GPX route files are shared with all participants. You must load the file on your sports watch or GPS app. No one is allowed to start without the GPX file saved on their device.
Accommodation
Registration includes two nights at mountain lodges:
- Night 1: The Secret Garden mountain lodge (Base Camp 1)
- Night 2: Ramadan Garden mountain lodge (Base Camp 2)
Both lodges have running fresh mountain water, squat-toilet facilities, stone rooms, and semi-open sheds. You can sleep in the rooms, under the sheds, or set up a personal tent in the garden. The weather is pleasant during the day and cold at night.
Additional items to pack for accommodation:
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Warm layers and a jacket
- Headlamp with primary and spare batteries
- Toiletries, towel, toilet paper
- Personal medication, ear plugs, preferred beverages (coffee, tea, etc.)
- Swimsuit
- Personal items
Transportation
Registration includes round-trip bus transportation from Cairo (Maadi neighbourhood, South Cairo) to St. Katherine. International participants should plan to arrive in Cairo the day before the bus departs and book accommodation in Maadi. Do not plan flights out of Cairo on the same day as the return journey; departure times will be confirmed when dates are announced.
Important Notes
This is a limited-entry challenge. Priority is given to securing runners' accommodation and bus spots. Availability for families and support crew is not guaranteed.
Costs
Registration Fee
The registration fee will be announced when registration opens.
What's Included in Registration
- All meals from arrival lunch through to the morning of departure (vegetarian and vegan options available on request; please tell the organisers about any food allergies)
- Round-trip bus transportation from and to Cairo
- Two nights of accommodation at mountain lodges
- Water and Bedouin beverages
- Personalised challenge shirt
- Finisher's medal
- Checkpoint support
- Professional photography
What's Not Included
- Trail nutrition during the race (participants must bring their own)
- Personal gear and camping equipment
- Medical insurance (recommended)
- Accommodation in Cairo before or after the event
Medical Insurance
Personal medical insurance is recommended. Race organisers and marshals provide basic first aid at checkpoints. In a medical emergency, your insurance helps make sure you receive proper care at a medical facility.
Organiser
Ultra Ibex is a Cairo-based trail running and outdoor adventure event organiser, founded by members of Wadi Ibex, Egypt's first trail running team. The team is led by experienced ultra-endurance and trail running athletes. Ultra Ibex organises trail running events around Egypt, including the Sinai Mountain Challenge, Red Sea Hurghada Challenge, Wadi Degla Trail, Wadi Rayan Desert Challenge, Roody 50x, and Sinai Exodus Challenge.
