Malash: The Saqqara Half Marathon presents Egypt through a new lens by combining sports and history.

Over 5 years, the Saqqara Half Marathon became one of Egypt’s most distinctive endurance races.

Leading Egyptian real estate company and Intro Investment Holdings’ real estate arm M squared has announced its multi-year partnership with The TriFactory, organizer of the Saqqara Half Marathon, as the title sponsor of the race’s fifth edition, Invest-Gate reports.

Main Sponsorship within the Framework of Corporate Social Responsibility

Organized by The TriFactory and proudly presented by M squared for the third year in a row, the race falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth & Sports. It is part of The TriFactory’s “Race Through History” series, which brings world-class running events to Egypt’s most celebrated historical destinations.

M squared: Sport as a Bridge Linking Present and History

Taking place on Friday, 13 February 2026, the Saqqara Half Marathon will, for the first time, feature the prestigious 21-kilometer half marathon distance, alongside 5K and 10K races. The event is expected to welcome around 2,000 runners from more than 60 nationalities, competing against the backdrop of one of Egypt’s most iconic heritage sites.
“Our partnership with The TriFactory for this landmark race, hosted in an area of exceptional historical and strategic significance, is exemplary of our belief in the role of sporting events in presenting Egyptian heritage through a contemporary lens,” said Karim Malash, CEO of M squared. “The Saqqara Half Marathon offers a distinctive model that brings together sport and history, while contributing to the promotion of Egypt’s archaeological landmarks and supporting sustainable tourism activity.”

Exceptional Experiences Reimagining Egypt in a Non-Traditional Way

He added: “By sponsoring this event, M squared is investing in future-facing experiences, bringing together thousands of Egyptian and international participants. This is part of M squared’s philosophy of developing distinctive experiences that strengthen people’s connection to places and present Egypt from a fresh, unconventional perspective. Sport is a core element of this philosophy, as it creates a rhythm for daily life, brings continuous energy and activity into spaces, and connects people from diverse backgrounds around a shared goal and experience.

The TriFactory: A Race Designed to Grow within a Unique Historical Environment

“From the outset, the Saqqara Half Marathon was designed as a race that could grow carefully within a complex and historic environment,” Ayman Hakky, founder and CEO of The TriFactory, said. “Reaching a fifth edition and introducing the half marathon distance is the cumulative result of years of planning on the ground. Working with M squared allows us to continue developing the race with the operational depth and stability needed to deliver it at this scale.”

Sport at the Heart of M squared’s Development Philosophy

Sport has been an integral part of M squared’s story since its inception, being a deliberate choice that informs how the company approaches development. Malash noted that the company’s role extends beyond delivering projects to building fully integrated, healthy communities. These communities require spaces that encourage movement and support balanced lifestyles, which is why sports represent a natural and essential component in M squared’s approach, embedded in the details of everyday life.

Race Date and Wide International Participation

The Saqqara Half Marathon offers participants a rare opportunity to run through the Saqqara Necropolis, with 10K and 21K routes extending as far as the Abu Sir Pyramids via newly opened interlock surface roads. The start line, finish line, and awards ceremony will once again take place beneath the 5,000-year-old Step Pyramid of Saqqara, creating a setting that blends athletic performance with cultural and historical immersion.

Local Partnership with a Global Spirit

Through this partnership, M squared and The TriFactory are backing a race that prioritizes strong organization, participant safety, and a distinctive experience shaped by its historic setting.

A Unique Running Experience Among the Pyramids

Sport has been part of M squared’s development approach from the outset. Across its projects, the company plans communities around how people actually use space, prioritizing walkability, open areas, and shared amenities that encourage daily movement. This emphasis on the living experience informs decisions at every stage of development, shaping environments that support physical comfort and overall wellbeing as part of everyday life, rather than as an added feature.

Continuous Growth and Advanced Standing among Endurance Races

Now in its fifth year, the Saqqara Half Marathon has steadily grown into one of Egypt’s most distinctive endurance events, attracting both local and international runners while showcasing the country’s unique ability to host sporting experiences within globally significant heritage landscapes.

Towards a World-Class Race on the International Running Calendar

Through this multi-year partnership, M squared and The TriFactory aim to continue building the race into a truly world-class event, strengthening Egypt’s position on the global running calendar while celebrating its rich history through sport.

Real Estate Development Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle Approach

Sport has been part of M squared’s development approach from the outset. Across its projects, the company plans communities around how people actually use space, prioritizing walkability, open areas, and shared amenities that encourage daily movement. This emphasis on the living experience informs decisions at every stage of development, shaping environments that support physical comfort and overall wellbeing as part of everyday life.