9 Iconic Marathon Destinations in the Middle East

From the lowest point on Earth at the Dead Sea in Jordan to the skyscrapers that define the skylines of Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait, the Middle East has become a global destination for marathon enthusiasts from around the world. This geographical diversity—spanning coastal routes in Lebanon and Oman to world-class race circuits in Bahrain—has given the region a distinctive character that combines athletic challenge with visual spectacle. In this list, we explore some of the most iconic destinations for this much-loved sport. The Pyramids of Giza— Egypt
The Pyramids Half Marathon is considered Egypt’s premier road race, offering runners an unforgettable opportunity to race alongside the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Organised by TriFactory on December 11th and 12th in 2026, the event includes 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances. Notably, the 10 km and half marathon courses are officially certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The route cuts through the historic Giza Plateau, passing ancient temples, the Sphinx, and the three iconic pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The terrain is varied, with gentle inclines that challenge runners without overwhelming them. Open to all ages and abilities, the race offers breathtaking views and has become a bucket-list event for runners worldwide eager to experience running through history. Umm Suqeim Street— UAE
In the beating heart of Dubai, Umm Suqeim Street transforms into a world-class racecourse, passing luxury landmarks such as Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah. It’s an experience that combines a passion for running with the beauty of contemporary architecture. The renowned Dubai Marathon, which celebrated its silver jubilee, returned to the Umm Suqeim area, specifically in front of the Dubai Police Academy, as both the starting and finishing point on February 1st. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University— Saudi Arabia
The Riyadh Marathon begins at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, weaving its way through the city’s main northern arteries, including Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen Road, Anas bin Malik Road, and Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road, showcasing the Kingdom’s urban development. The university, represented by its colleges and departments, participated in the 2026 Riyadh Marathon on the 28th to the 31st of January to promote social responsibility and raise awareness of health and physical activity, hosting events on campus. The Lebanese Coast
The Beirut Marathon offers one of the region’s most scenic coastal routes, stretching from the town of Selaata to Byblos—one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world—providing runners with rich history and unforgettable sea views. The Beirut Marathon Association organised the 2026 “Rolling Half” on February 8th. This standout coastal event featured both an individual half marathon (21.1 km) and a relay race with four runners. Al Khuwair Square – Oman
Oman has opened its doors to sports tourism through a marathon that launched from a fully equipped race village in Al Khuwair Square, Muscat, 24 January 23rd and 24th. With race categories ranging from 5 km to 42 km, it remains an ideal gateway to discovering the beauty of the Omani capital. Sheraton Park – Qatar
On January 16th, the Doha Marathon began and ended at the historic Sheraton Park, offering runners scenic views along the Doha Corniche. The 2026 edition featured exceptional prize money exceeding QAR 1 million across categories, along with a draw for two 2026 Toyota Prado cars among participants who completed the race. The 2026 Doha Marathon included five race categories catering to different ages and fitness levels: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon (21 km), and full marathon (42 km). The event saw participation from 20,000 runners representing 160 nationalities, including 2,200 international participants. The Dead Sea – Jordan
The Dead Sea Marathon remains a landmark event in the Middle East, attracting both professional and amateur runners from around the world to compete in a truly unique geographical setting. Despite regional challenges, it has maintained its annual status as a symbol of resilience and sport