34th Egyptian Luxor Marathon

The Egyptian Luxor Marathon is a race through one of the world's great archaeological landscapes. The 34th edition starts at Hatshepsut Temple on Luxor's West Bank on Friday 8 January 2027, with a full marathon, half marathon, 12K and 5K. It suits runners of all levels who want to combine a race with a winter holiday in Upper Egypt.

About the Egyptian Luxor Marathon

Organised by Egyptian Marathon, the race starts at the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and runs through the villages and fields of the West Bank, close to the Nile and the area's famous monuments. The organiser lists the marathon as AIMS-certified.

January is the high season in Luxor, with cool mornings and warm days, which makes it a good time both for running and for sightseeing. Many participants add visits to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple, or a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, before or after race day.

the Egyptian Luxor Marathon 2027 dates and venue

The official website lists the 34th Egyptian Luxor Marathon on Friday 8 January 2027. Bib collection, start times for each distance and the course map are shared by the organiser with registered runners.

The start is at Hatshepsut Temple on the West Bank of Luxor. Check the official Egyptian Marathon website for registration phases, race categories and the latest course details.

How to get to Luxor for the Egyptian Luxor Marathon

Luxor International Airport (LXR) has domestic flights from Cairo and some international routes, especially in the winter season. It lies east of the city, and taxis and hotel transfers reach the East Bank hotels by road and the West Bank via the bridge south of the city.

Visitors can also travel from Cairo by overnight sleeper train or day train, or arrive on a Nile cruise from Aswan. On race day, runners staying on the East Bank need to cross to the West Bank early, so arrange transport in advance.

Where to stay

The East Bank, along the Corniche near Luxor Temple, has the widest choice of hotels and easy access to restaurants and the main temples. The West Bank is quieter, with guesthouses and small hotels close to the race start at Hatshepsut Temple.

Early January is peak season in Luxor, so hotels and Nile cruises book up well ahead. Reserve rooms as early as possible.

Planning a group trip to the Egyptian Luxor Marathon

The Luxor Marathon is a natural fit for running clubs, charity groups and corporate teams. A group tour to the Luxor Marathon often spans four or five days: arrival, bib collection, race day, then guided visits to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple, with an optional hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank.

Register runners through the official website, confirm each person's distance and arrange a dedicated early transfer to the start. Plan rest time after the race before long sightseeing days.

• Cross the Nile early: the start is on the West Bank, so runners staying on the East Bank need a pre-arranged early transfer.
• Book sightseeing after the race: keep long temple and tomb visits for the days after race day.
• Travel documents: check the official entry requirements for Egypt before travel.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Egyptian Luxor Marathon 2027?

The 34th edition is on Friday 8 January 2027, according to the official Egyptian Marathon website.

Where does the race start?

At Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari) on the West Bank of Luxor, with the course running through the surrounding historic area.

Which distances can I run?

The organiser lists a full marathon, a half marathon, a 12K and a 5K. The marathon is listed as AIMS-certified.

How do I get to Luxor?

Fly to Luxor International Airport (LXR), take the train from Cairo, or arrive by Nile cruise from Aswan.

Is January a good time to visit Luxor?

Yes. January is part of the cooler high season, so it is comfortable for running and sightseeing, but hotels book up early.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Egyptian Luxor Marathon in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.