Erbil Marathon

Overview

Start: Erbil, Iraq
Finish: Erbil, Iraq
Duration: 6 Days
Max. Group Size: 15

This package offers travel and entrance to the Erbil Marathon 2025.

We will meet you at Erbil airport and show you the places of interest in the Iraqi Kurdistan capital. We will head out of Erbil to visit Lalish, the spiritual home of the Yazidi people. You can also train with female runners breaking taboos in Iraq, giving you a taste of life in Northern Iraq and sample the famous Kurdish hospitality.
Iraqi Kurdistan has mostly escaped the violence that has plagued the rest of the country and is a great way to get a flavour of modern Iraq.

There are three distances (5km, 10km and full marathon), so even if you are not a strong runner, you can still take part and enjoy the event.

A US$400 deposit is required to reserve a place on this trip.  The deposit amount will be charged at checkout, the balance shall be requested 60 days prior to the start of the trip.

 

Itinerary

Arrive in Erbil.
Briefing. Depending on time of arrival we will be able to arrange a city tour to some of Erbil’s sights including the ancient citadel that dominates the centre of the city.
Overnight in Erbil.

A day in the Kurdish countryside with some local runners. The day should be fun and hopefully will be able to get an insight into life as a runner in Iraq.
Overnight in Erbil.

A drive into the hills of Kurdistan to visit Lalish, the spiritual home of the Yazidi people. If there is time and the security situation allows we will also visit the Alqosh monastery high in the hills overlooking the Ninevah plains.
Overnight in Erbil.

For serious runners, this will be a day of rest.
For others, we will head out towards the Iranian border on the Hamilton road. Built in the 1920s, this road cuts a path through the Zagros mountains and showcases the spectacular mountain scenery of Iraqi-Kurdistan.
Overnight in Erbil.

Run the Erbil Marathon. Our team will be there to get photos and support the runners before and after the race.
Overnight in Erbil.

We will drive back to Erbil to connect with afternoon or evening flights home.

  • All accommodation (5 nights in Erbil)
  • Breakfast
  • All ground transport
  • Guiding
  • Entry to the Erbil Marathon
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Flights to Iraqi Kurdistan
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

27th Oct
1st Nov, 2025
Available
$ 1450

Information

In Erbil we will stay in a 3-star hotel. The accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a room.An optional single supplement is US$300 per person.
For most nationalities, a visa is available on arrival at Erbil airport. The visa is valid for Iraqi Kurdistan only and NOT for southern Iraq.
We do not directly arrange international flights to Iraqi Kurdistan. We can suggest routes and operators. If you do want to extend your trip in Iraqi Kurdistan either before or after this one please contact us for arranging something or simply for advice and suggestions.
We provide breakfast every day but not other meals. We know plenty of places in Erbil. From traditional kebab houses to international restaurants at international prices. When there is an option, we let you make the choice of how much you want to spend.
When we choose our vehicles and drivers we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of journey and the competence of the man behind the wheel. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety of the journey is the first priority.
You will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide/fixer for the length of the trip.
Trips to Iraq do create dangers of their own and whilst we want you to have as much freedom as possible we must state that the tour leader has the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons. Whilst the route we have chosen passes through areas which we consider to be relatively stable things can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice.