"For the first time, our dream to have a full marathon in the most beautiful place in Cairo will come true," read a statement by Cairo Runners when they announced last month that Egypt’s most anticipated annual sports event will this year take place in Downtown Cairo.

The response on social media has also been enthusiastic, with dozens of runners posting photos and comments about having received their race t-shirts and tickets.

The marathon will take place on Friday, with the event kicking off at 6am on Kasr El-Nil Bridge.

The running group organised its first marathon last year, scaling up what was previously a spring half-marathon.

The event is undisputedly the jewel of the crown of their activities, attracting thousands of participants each year.

Founded in 2012, the group is one of the pioneers in Egypt’s new fitness trend; they pound the pavements every Friday morning in different venues around the capital.

There are five types of run available at the marathon event this year: the 42km full marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km run, a 3km family run, and a 1km special run for the differently abled.

Winners will receive monetary prizes.

A share of the revenues from the event will go to a local cancer charity.