The countdown to the Cairo Runners half marathon in Heliopolis on 17 April continues amid speculation that it will draw more attention and participants than ever.
Cairo Runners is the leading running community in Egypt, and was one of the earliest pioneers in encouraging Egyptians to adopt a healthier, more energetic lifestyle, taking to the streets for early runs each Friday, and choosing different locations through the capital each time.
At the beginning of the initiative, the participants were around 70, but Cairo Runners takes pride in their expansion, with the number of participants increasing with the success of each event.
Cairo Runners outreach has topped 318,000 on Facebook, their numbers of followers on Twitter is above 14,400, and on Instagram 16,900 followers. Average numbers of runners per run is around 3,000.
Now everybody is gearing up for the half marathon. It comes as a sequel to two previous half marathons, both of which attracted thousands.
This year will include three types of races giving everybody alternatives to suit their preference:
The 21km half marathon
The 7km half race
The 1km family run
Celebrities in the field of sports and initiatives will talk to the crowd to inspire and support, with Galal Zekri-Chatila, the youngest Egyptian cycling adventurer, concluding his unprecedented cycling tour after the half marathon.
Galal embarked on his 'Egypt on Two Wheels' journey on 22 November after extensive planning, expecting to cover a distance of 7,000km in four months, which was interrupted by a one-month-delay in Siwa oasis
Accompanied by his loyal companion, Sophia the bike, he took off to witness and showcase the hidden marvels of Egypt and the goodwill of its people.
Ahram Online talked with Salma Shahin, Cairo Runners social media manager, who said that this year the number of expected attendants will probably reach 5,000.
"This will be the third half marathon planned by Cairo Runners, this year the main sponsors are Bake Rollz, and Wust El-Balad youth singing band will be closing the half marathon with a morning concert," she said.
Shahin added that unlike past half marathons, this year they will have bands and cultural performances to entertain runners throughout the 21km, and for the 1km family run there will be children's entertainment with jugglers, clowns and more.
Half of the proceeds will benefit the Abbasiya Fever Hospital, in partnership with the ministry of youth and the governorate of Cairo, while the other half of the proceeds will go towards supporting a charity of the runners' choice.
This will be selected through a crowd funding website, where participants can enter their race number and the charity they wish to support. Shahin concluded by saying that this technique is happening for the first time.
Deadline for registering ends on the 16 April.
For more details visit Cairo Runner official website.
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