Petra Desert Marathon & Half 2024
Run Back in Time with the Petra Desert Marathon!
Enjoy a race like no other! The Petra Desert Marathon is a challenging adventure marathon set in the beautiful desert region of Jordan. Starting in the ancient city of Petra, the route takes runners on a remarkable race in the area surrounding Petra. From the lunar-like mountain landscape to the arid desert, runners navigate challenging terrain in the dry desert heat.
We offer a five-night/six-day package, which includes your hotel accommodations, English speaking guide and a three-day entry to Petra. In addition, you have the option to extend your trip for three nights on the Adventure Extension in Wadi Rum (UNESCO World Heritage site), Dana Valley, as well as the capital city of Amman OR on the Cultural Extension with visits to Madaba, Mount Nebo, As-Salt, Amman, and Jerash.
Enjoy delicious cuisine, based on traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences; explore historical sites; and experience the warm hospitality of the Jordanians.
Meals Included
Breakfasts and pre-race dinner
Guide
English-speaking tour leader included
Transfers
Return airport transfers included and when needed in the itinerary
Trip Extension
Trip extensions are available upon request
Accommodation
Choose between a comfort level hotel or deluxe
Entry
Marathon or Half Marathon entry
Celebration Party
Celebration dinner with transportation
Excursions
Choice of excursions to choose from
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, September 4
Arrive at Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). There is no set arrival time, so you can book the flight most suitable from your departure airport. Kindly note that a visa is required for all visitors to Jordan. In the arrival hall, after you have cleared customs and immigration, our representative will meet you and will escort you to the driver who will bring you to your hotel at the Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the beach or pool. (No meals included)
Thursday, September 5
The Dead Sea
Today is at your leisure by the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth. Start the day with breakfast and a ‘float’ in the Dead Sea (because it is 10 times saltier than regular seawater, it makes it impossible to sink), relax by the pool, and/or perhaps book yourself a spa treatment. Additionally, you can choose to join our full day excursion with our knowledgeable guides that highlights the historical and cultural significance of Jordan’s Mt. Nebo, Madaba and Baptism Site. (Breakfast included)
Friday, September 6
Dead Sea to Petra, Race Briefing & Pasta Dinner
After breakfast, we check out and drive by coach bus for approximately six hours to Wadi Musa otherwise known as Petra. Upon arrival, we will go straight to lunch to enjoy local delicacies and then have a few hours to explore the “Red Rose City of Petra.” In the late afternoon, all runners meet for a race briefing given by the Race Officials and the medical team. Afterwards, enjoy the pre-race dinner at your respective hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, September 7
Petra Desert Marathon & Half-Marathon!
The day we have all been waiting for! After an early wake-up and light continental breakfast, all runners meet outside the Petra Visitor Center at 5:15 AM. All participants will walk together through the Siq to the start line at the Street of Facades. As Petra is not open to the public at this time of day, runners will get the unique experience of seeing Petra without the crowds.
The marathon and half-marathon start at 6:30 AM. Although regarded as an official race, following international competition rules, it is important to remember that it is first and foremost an adventure marathon in which the experience, scenery, and satisfaction in completing the event is more important than your time. Runners receive their medal and refreshments at the finish line. Consider booking Petra Kitchen tonight from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM and enjoy making traditional Jordanian cuisine and feasting with friends. It is a fun way to celebrate the completion of your Petra race day. (limited space)
In the evening, we offer the opportunity to experience Petra Kitchen (limited availability & additional cost):
In this hands-on cooking class, under the professional guidance of your chef, you will learn how to cook some of the most tasteful Jordanian dishes including delicious appetizers and a traditional main course. All participants will enjoy the meal together and the full recipe is shared, so you can cook for your friends and family at home. A fun and festive way to celebrate your completion of the Petra Desert Marathon or Half-Marathon! The class starts at 5:30 PM and will last about 2.5 hours.
(Breakfast and packed lunch included)
Sunday, September 8
Petra Sightseeing and Celebration Dinner
Today is the day to explore Petra in its full glory. After breakfast, walk to the Petra Visitor Center where the guided tour begins. The main entrance to the historical and archeological city of Petra is the Siq. With walls rising to 200 meters in height, this narrow gorge, split apart by tectonic forces, winds its way 1.2KM through the mountains and ends at Petra’s most elaborate temple, the Treasury. We continue past the marvelous tombs and caves carved out of the red sandstone cliff, while our guide tells us about the old Nabateans who created the city. After time to explore the area and have lunch (on your own), you can continue exploring Petra and return to your hotel at your leisure. This evening all participants will head to the desert, where we celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon and Half-Marathon with a festive celebration dinner. Dine, drink and dance under the stars! (Breakfast and dinner included)
Monday, September 9
Adventure Extension or Farewell to Jordan
Our adventure in Petra has come to an end and it’s time to bid farewell. Check out from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 PM. All participants, unless you opted for the adventure extension, are transferred to Queen Alla International Airport in Amman. Four transfers are available with ARRIVAL times at the airport on September 4 at 5:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM or 6:00 PM. It is possible to book a different transfer to Amman for an additional charge. This must be requested in advance. (Breakfast Included)
Activities subject to change.
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Extensions
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Wonders of Amman | One-Night (Two-Day) Package: September 3 – 4, 2024
Tuesday, September 3 – Arrive to Jordan
Transfer provided to your hotel in Amman where you can rest after your travels and look forward to your adventure starting in the morning!
Wednesday, September 4 – Journey to Jerash and the heart of Amman
Today we embark on a captivating exploration of Jerash, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East”. We will enter through the South Gate, immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Roman City, strolling through the Oval Plaza with its surrounding colonnades, and visit its grand Roman theaters and Byzantine churches adorned with mosaic-covered floors. After Jeresh, we will head to Amman, Jordan’s bustling capital, renowned for its political, cultural, and commercial significance spanning thousands of years. Highlights of our Amman exploration include the Citadel, Roman ruins, the Roman theater, and an outside visit to the King Abdullah Mosque.
You will have free time to explore the city or visit the vibrant Souq Market before transferring to your Dead Sea accommodations to join other runners on the tour.
Adventure Extension | Three-Night (Four-Day) Package: September 9 – 12, 2024
Monday, September 9 – Little Petra – Monastery hike
After a good night’s sleep, you will be ready to set off on our Adventure Extension! Starting at the awe-inspiring “Little Petra”, Our expert guide will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Venturing through Wadi mataha & Jabal al- Khubtha, you will see some of Petra’s lesser-known back entrances. After exploring the Monastery, we will make our way to the iconic Treasury and emerge through the magnificent Siq. Tonight, you will sleep in your current hotel room. (Breakfast & lunch included)
Tuesday, September 10 – Wadi Rum Desert
After breakfast we leave Petra and drive to the magnificent Wadi Rum desert. It was here the British army officer T. E. Lawrence gathered the Arab tribes to revolt against the Ottoman Turkish rule during World War I, a story that became world-famous in the movie “Lawrence of Arabia.”
From the Wadi Rum Visitors Center, we change from bus to jeep and go on a tour through the desert, past sand dunes and incredible rock formations. After a cup of tea made by Bedouins, the tour ends with dinner and an overnight in a Bedouin Camp with the choice of a Bedouin Tent or a Star Tent. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Wednesday, September 11 – Wadi Mujib and Amman
Following breakfast, we drive to Wadi Mujib Gorge, which in many ways is like the Siq in Petra. The Mujib River runs through the gorge. This unique nature reserve is home to more than 400 species of plants, more than 100 species of birds, and animals such as the Nubian Red Fox, Hyena, Jackal and more. We will see the Wadi Mujib during the two-hour hike, climb several small waterfalls with the help of fixed ropes and ladders, swim at the base of a large waterfall and float peacefully back out of the canyon (optional). Following, we head to Amman for your final evening in Jordan. Tonight, dinner is on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Thursday, September 12 – Farewell Jordan
Enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out of your hotel by 12:00 PM and departing for your international trip home. Three scheduled airport transfers will be provided to the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to arrive at the airport at 5:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. It is possible to book a different transfer to Amman if the above scheduled group transfers don’t fit your onward journey (extra charge applicable). (Breakfast included)
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Packages & Rates
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Petra Tour | Five-Night Package: September 4 – 9, 2024
Features:
- Five-night hotel accommodations
- All hotel taxes
- Arrival transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea
- Scheduled departure transfer from Petra to the Amman Airport
- Transportation per itinerary
- English-speaking tour guide
- Three-day entry to Petra
- Celebration Dinner
- Meals per itinerary
- Race entry is additional ($495 per entry)
- The Deluxe Package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel with a minimum of 25 guests.
Optional Activities | September 7, 2024
Petra Kitchen: Join this optional tour for a fun way to learn how to cook traditional Jordanian food. Chefs guide the cooking class through appetizers and a main course before the full dinner is enjoyed. The cooking class starts at 5:30 PM and will last approximately 2.5 hours ($110)
Pre-Race Extension | One-Night Package: September 3 – 4, 2024
Wonders of Amman Features:
- One night in 4* Amman hotel
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Local English-Speaking Guide
- Meals according to itinerary
Post-Race Extensions | Three-Night Package: September 9 – 12, 2024
Adventure Extension Features:
- One night in same hotel as tour package
- One night in tented camp in Wadi Rum (Star Tent Upgrade at additional cost)
- One night in 4* Amman Hotel
- Local English-Speaking Guide
- Entrance fee to Wadi Rum and Wadi Mujib
- Transportation per the itinerary
- Meals per the itinerary
Not Included:
- International roundtrip airfare to Jordan
- Jordanian Visa (approx. 40 JOD upon arrival)
- Race Entry Fee ($495 AUD)
- Gratuities and tips (recommended $10/person/day)
- Travel Insurance
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
- Additional room nights available upon request
- Unscheduled airport transfer available for $175 AUD upon request
Rates (all prices are per person and in AUD dollars)
Petra Tour | Five-Night PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Package - Grand East Hotel (Dead Sea) | Petra Moon Hotel (Petra) $2,425 $3,055 Deluxe Package - Movenpick Dead Sea | Movenpick Petra $3,295 $4,520 Race Entry $495 Optional ActivitiesCultural Excursion - September 5 $260 Petra Kitchen - September 7 $110 Post-Race Extensions | Three Night PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Adventure Extension - Standard $1,270 $1,455 Adventure Extension - Deluxe $1,380 $1,805 Adventure Extension - Deluxe with upgrade to Star Tent (first night) $1,560 $2,170 Pre-Race Extension | One-Night PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Wonders of Amman $355 $490
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Hotels
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Petra Desert Marathon - Deluxe Accommodation
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea and Mövenpick Resort Petra (or similar)
On the deluxe accommodation package you will stay the first 2 nights at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea or similar and the following 3 nights at Mövenpick Resort or similar in Petra.
Stay in two beautiful 5-star Mövenpick hotels that are elegantly furnished. Rooms are clean and well decorated, outfitted with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, room service options and satellite TVs. The properties offer great service and even have a chocolate hour for a complementary sweet indulgence every afternoon.
The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea has an onsite spa with a wide selection of wellness treatments, access to the beach and a nicely designed adult-only infinity pool. restaurant offers all-day à la carte and buffet dining. Breakfast is served daily.
Once you arrive at the Mövenpick resort in Petra, you will be staying across from Petra and near to the centre of Wadi Musa, a favourite location for visitors to the area. Onsite there are two restaurants; one serving Mediterranean dishes, a tearoom, a fitness centre, games room and relaxing outdoor areas such as the roof garden and swimming pool.
Address
Tourism St Petra Wadi Musa Jordan 71810Mövenpick Resort Petra
The 5* Mövenpick Resort Petra is located directly at the entrance to the historic Jordanian city of Petra. With an oriental flair, the resort features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood mixed with Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. The hotel has recently been renovated and offers a wide variety of restaurants.
Petra Desert Marathon - Standard AccommodationGrand East Hotel and Petra Moon (or similar)
On the standard accommodation package you will stay the first 2 nights at the Grand East Hotel – Dead Sea or similar. The following 3 nights in Petra will be at Petra Moon or similar.
The Grand East Hotel is a large hotel complex on the Dead Sea Beach, offering lots of great onsite facilities such as 3 restaurants, 2 poolside bars, a shisha lounge, 4 outdoor pools, a full serviced spa and a gym. Lots of activities are on offer and there is great access to the beach. Rooms are air conditioned and fitted with straightforward amenities including a flat screen TV and a kettle. There is a free area shuttle to help you explore in your free time.
For the second half of the tour, you’ll stay at Petra Moon which is in a great location near to the Petra entrance. This well positioned hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and excellent amenities. Enjoy the views from the sun terrace there is an outdoor rooftop pool should you wish to take a dip. Food and drink options are available, meals are buffet style offering international cuisine. BBQ facilities are available at extra cost. All rooms come with a kettle and a hairdryer for added convenience.
Address
Petra Visitor Center Street Wadi Musa Jordan 71882Petra Palace Hotel (or similar)
An elegant 3* hotel offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Steps away from the mythical city of Petra with rooms overlooking the intimate courtyard and swimming pool or the spectacular Petra Mountains. WiFi is available in the lobby and bar area.
ExtensionsWonders of Amman (Pre-Trip)
4* Hotel AmmanAdventure Extension
September 9 – Dead Sea hotel per your booked package
September 10 – Magic rum Luxury Camp (or similar) a tented camp in Wadi Rum – Star Tent Dome Upgrade available.
September 11 – 4* Hotel in Amman
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Event Information
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Race Date: September 7, 2024
Start Time: 6:30AM, which means runners need to meet at the Visitor Center at 5:15AM.
Time Limit:
All runners have seven (7) hours to complete the race. Runners still on the route after the cut-off time will be picked up by a race official or medical car and driven back to the finish area. Five hours after the start however, the route closes at the 31 KM mark (10 KM for the half marathon) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point by 11:30 AM will not be allowed to finish the race.
Start / Finish
For the start, all runners must meet at the Petra Visitor Centre from where we walk the 2.5 kilometres through the Siq and past the Treasury to the start line at the Street of Facades.
The finish line is located near the Petra Visitor Centre within walking distance of the Mövenpick Resort, Petra Palace, Petra Guest House, and Edom hotels.
All runners who complete the marathon or half-marathon within the time limit will receive a medal after crossing the finish line. Water and a sandwich lunch pack are given to all participants. Checked-in bags can be picked up at the bag check-out area.
Route Description
From the start line in the Street of Facades, the route goes through the ancient city of Petra and right away you will find yourself surrounded with tombs, caves, and monasteries carved in the mountainsides. A 2 km uphill section on a paved road leads runners out of the Petra Archaeological Park boundaries and, via the main road, towards the desert on hilly tarmac road.
After 6 kilometres, the route leaves the asphalt road and continues into the desert. Half-marathon runners take the direct way to the river bed gorge “Siq Al Bard,” while marathon runners have to do a loop around the hilltop “Al Musirh.” Leaving Siq al Bard at Little Petra, the route goes back on the tarmac road heading towards the village of Ammarine.
Half-marathon runners continue straight through the village while marathon runners, just before the village, turn left on the road leading to Wadi Araba to do a 8 km back-tracking stretch that will take you past incredible rock formations that only a few tourists visit.
When passing the 30 km mark, full marathon runners find themselves back at Ammarine village and merge again with the half marathon course. From here, the route goes uphill to a mountain ridge for the next 5 kilometres, but the strenuous efforts are rewarded with an astonishing view over most of the marathon route, the mountains covering Petra and on clear days even Israel can be seen. On this mountain ridge the surface becomes gravel for the next 3 km. The final 4 km is steep downhill running on paved roads towards the finish line.
There will be no race pacers at this event.
Weather:
It is very hot in Jordan. Be prepared for temperatures to be in the high range of 32°C.
Eligibility:
Marathon runners must be 18 years of age or older on race day. Half-Marathon runners must be 16 years of age or older on race day.
Awards:
All finishers receive a medal. A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners of both distances for men and women. There is no prize money.
Difficulty:
Difficult. Hilly course with an ascent of roughly 1,200 meters and a descent of 1,100 meters. Be prepared for unrelenting heat with temps between 29°-40°C.
For more information click here
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Registration & Booking
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On Request Bookings
Request Bookings will confirm that you have accepted our Booking Conditions. Your booking is not however, guaranteed until our partner company confirms availability. Please expect confirmation of place within 1-3 days of making your booking. Your card payment details will still be required for the deposit to secure your space, though please be advised this information will be held securely, and the card will only be debited upon confirmation of booking.
Disclaimer
Albatros Adventure Marathons reserve the right to change the itinerary and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Visa
Please note that it is each traveller’s responsibility to check visa and passport requirements and ensure that they comply. Obtaining a passport and, if required, a visa, is solely the responsibility of each traveller. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your destination.
A visa is required for all travellers entering Jordan. Most nationalities can obtain the visa upon arrival at Amman airport at a cost of JOD 40. Note that cash payment is required. USD is accepted corresponding to the exchange rate at the time of entry. Kindly be advised that certain nationalities require an entry visa to be obtained PRIOR to travel. Please check with the FCO.
Room Options
If you are a solo traveller and choose a shared double room when booking, we will pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If you prefer to have your own room, choose single room. A single supplement will apply.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday you take, and we highly recommend that you purchase suitable insurance for your trip.
The roads are not closed for traffic. Although traffic is not heavy in the area, please be aware whenever running on asphalt roads. We advise you to run on the left side of the road, so you can see any vehicles coming towards you.
Surface
The route is run on a mixture of gravel and paved roads. The surface in the desert sections is sand with loose rocks.
A pocket of peace in the middle of an otherwise turbulent region, Jordan offers safe passage to experience the magic of the Levant.
From a lavish town of ruins hidden in the middle of the desert to a giant salt lake where one can float like a leaf, there are adventures galore in this middle eastern gem. Adventurous travelers can explore the desert of Wadi Rum – made famous by Lawrence of Arabia – or discover the living biblical history in the heart of The Holy Land. Add to that delicious cuisine and exceptionally hospitable people, and Jordan is a journey worth taking.
Age Limits
Full marathon runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Half marathon runners must be at least 16 years old.
Clothing
It is recommended that participants run in light-weight, light-coloured clothing.
To prevent heatstroke, consider ways to keep direct sun off your skin – in that sense, a T-shirt offers better protection than a sleeveless shirt, but it is of course an personal choice. In all cases, we strongly recommend the use of sunscreen with high protection and a cap. One might also consider a buff or a bandana to keep sun off the back of your neck (plus, you can get it wet at the water stations to get a cooling effect).
There are no clothing restrictions, so women and men alike can run in shorts, tights, tank tops etc. As Petra is largely tourist destination, locals in the area are more used to seeing shorts than locals in some other parts of the country.
Awards and Medal
All finishers receive a medal. A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money.
Time Limit
All runners have 7 hours from start time to complete their race, regardless of distance. Runners still on the route after the time limit will be picked up by a race official or medical car and driven back to the finish area.
Five hours after the start, however, the marathon route closes at the 31km mark (10km mark for the half marathon) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point at 11:30 will not be permitted to finish the race.
Weather
With temperatures as high as 40°C and a hilly, desert route offering very little shade, the Petra Desert Marathon is an arduous race. Participants should be ready to deal with heat and remember – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
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