This is one for people who like to take their running to the extremes.
The Petra Desert Marathon is one of the toughest endurance tests on the planet, and even as an experienced runner, I’m not sure I would be up for the task. A marathon in a desert? Someone get me a glass of water, my mouth is dry just thinking about it!
It’s not just hot either, it’s hilly, and the ground underfoot is a mixture of sand, gravel, and pavement. You know, just to make it that little bit harder.
The route takes you up several hills, up to an elevation of 1425 meters at the highest point, which of course comes towards the end of the race when you are already exhausted.
It’s worth it though, because the views from the top are incredible.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Petra Desert Marathon.
The Race
Although this marathon is a race, it’s as much about experiencing Jordan as it is about competing. I wouldn’t imagine many people go with their main intention being to win.
That’s because the race takes you past some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring sights you will ever see. I’m talking about ancient tombs carved into mountainsides, Jordanian villages, and panoramic mountaintop views.
In terms of the race itself, there are two options open to you:
- Full marathon
- Half marathon
So if you like the sound of it but aren’t quite up to the full 26.2 miles you can do the shorter distance. Whichever option you choose, the start and end points are the same, but the route diverges at various points.
Water and sandwiches are handed out to all runners, and medals of course, but be aware, the start time in 06:00 am – so you will be up at the crack of dawn if not before to get there.
The Route
On race day, all runners meet at the Petra Visitor Centre before walking as a group to the Siq. From here, the start of the race takes you through the ancient city of Petra where you are immediately surrounded by incredible cultural and historical sights and landmarks that will take your breath away.
Metaphorically of course. The last thing you need at the start of a marathon is having your breath taken away.
Then it’s uphill for 2km away from the Petra Archaeological Park and towards the desert. The race splits after this with half marathon runners going straight to the river bed gorge “Siq Al Bard,” while full marathon runners do a loop around the hilltop “Al Musirh” first.
Next on the route is the village of Ammarine, which half marathon runners will head straight through. Full marathon runners turn off just before for an 8km stretch towards Wadi Araba, where they will see rock formations that barely any tourists ever venture out to. It’s a truly unique experience.
Back to Ammarine from there and on to the highest point on the route, a mountain ridge from where you can even see Israel on a clear day. This is where most people will stop to take it all in, before heading back down and towards the finish line.
Signing Up to Take Part
If a 26 mile run through the Jordanian desert sounds like a little bit of you, then you need to sign up for one of the tour packages.
The race is organised by a company called Albatros Adventure Marathons, and they are set up to run as a sort of package holiday. It makes sense. The Petra Desert is in Jordan, so arranging all of the finer details yourself would be a nightmare.
Instead, you buy a package which includes accommodation, entry into the race, and a few other bits. These packages can be tailored in terms of quality of hotel, with the ability to buy add ons and extensions too, such as days out sight seeing, local experiences, and so on.
You will have to arrange your own flights, but other than that (and a bit of sending money), everything is included in the price.
The next race takes place on:
- 6th September, 2025
It’s an annual event, though. So if you aren’t ready to book it in just yet, it will be running again around the same time next year.
Package Schedule
The tour package is effectively a 6 day holiday with a marathon in the middle – your hairdresser won’t be expecting that when they ask about what holidays you’ve got booked in this year, will they?
When you arrive, your transfer to the hotel you have chosen is included so will be waiting to pick you up and take you to the Dead Sea. This is where you will spend your second day, relaxing and sight seeing unless you have booked onto one of the additional excursions.
Day 3 has a 6 hour coach trip to Petra, where your next hotel awaits. You will all eat together at a restaurant and have a pre-race briefing, as well as having some time to explore. All meals are included on this day.
Day 4 is race day, so your breakfast and lunch is provided, but you can sort yourself out with an evening meal.
Day 5 is for relaxing, recovering, and exploring Petra properly with a guided tour. You get access to the city before it opens to the public, so it will feel like a completely different place than most people get to experience. There is a celebration dinner in the desert in the evening, which is included in the package.
Day 6 is when you head back to the airport, unless you have booked an extension, in which case you can hang around a little bit longer.
Whatever you choose to do, it will be an unforgettable experience and a great story for down the gym.