The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Having launched towards the end of 2015, Muricata has been a driving force in bringing fitness, adventure and fun to the otherwise poorly-catered-to children of Egypt. As a subsidiary, so to speak, of Omar Samra’s Wild Guanabana, Muricata has opened up a whole new world in its relatively short life-span and will continue to do so on May 6th with an event like no other.

The inaugural edition of the Great Cairo Kidathon is set to take place in Zamalek and over 300 kids between the ages of 6 and 14 are expected to attend what is one long day of fun and activities – but more on that later.

The Kidathon itself will feature three different mini-marathons; children between 6 and 8 years will take on a 2km run, as will kids between 8 and 11 years, while those falling between 12 and 14 years will take part in a 4km run. Following the El Sawy Culturewheel loop route, the day will be crowned with a special ceremony that will see 18 winners receive prize and all runners receiving t-shirts and medals. After the runs, a whole host of other activities await, including family yoga arts, crafts classes and adventure games, with the cherry on top of this epic ice cream Sunday coming in the form of an exclusive concert from Egypt’s biggest band, Cairokee.

More than just day of running and funning, though, all participating children are asked to donate a toy through the Marwa Fayed Toy Run NGO, which will then be donated to Abu El Reesh Hospital.

Speaking about the event, Samra has a very idea vision of the Muricata vision.

“We focus on the physical and mental well-being of the children. We want to motivate families to invest in and support the forthcoming adventurers by participating in such activities, so they build character, learn how to become self-independent; and most importantly become healthier and happier.”

Muricata is a rare breed of initiative that targets age groups that largely go unnoticed by the increasing number of health-based initiatives; Samra and co. engages children by providing trips and events that allow kids to get hands-on experiences and find their own paths and interests in life. The Kidathon comes on the back of successful trips to Gouna, of which there are set to be more of this summer.

For more information on the Great Cairo Kidathon, click here.