Petra Desert Marathon & Half

Nights
5
Date
6 September 2025
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  • Adventure
  • Half Marathon
  • Marathon

Run Back in Time with the Petra Desert Marathon 2025!

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as you take on the Petra Desert Marathon, a breathtaking race that combines the thrill of running with the awe-inspiring history of Jordan. Starting in the ancient city of Petra, this spectacular event leads runners past iconic tombs, intricate mountainside carvings and hidden caves before heading into the dramatic, moon-like landscapes of the Jordanian desert.

Jordan is the perfect destination for an unforgettable marathon adventure, offering a rich blend of culture, history and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring Petra’s legendary ruins, enjoying panoramic desert views, or immersing yourself in the vibrant local traditions, this journey has something for everyone.

Choose between the full marathon or half-marathon and make the most of your adventure with our curated travel packages. We also offer a range of post-race extensions.

Run the Petra Desert Marathon 2025 and discover the magic of Jordan in a way that’s as extraordinary as the race itself!

We will beat any price in GBP, so you can feel confident booking at the best possible price. Speak to our team for more details. 

Meals Included

Meals Included

Breakfasts, some lunch and dinner (dependent on the day)

Guide

Guide

English-speaking tour leader included

Transfers

Transfers

Return airport transfers included and when needed in the itinerary

Trip Extension

Trip Extension

Trip extensions are available upon request

Accommodation

Accommodation

Choose between a comfort level hotel or deluxe

Entry

Entry

Marathon or Half Marathon entry

Celebration Party

Celebration Party

Celebration dinner with transportation

Excursions

Excursions

Choice of excursions to choose from

Coopah

Coopah

2 week free trial for Coopah training plans

Travel Package Information

  • Itinerary

    • 2025 Petra Desert Marathon Itinerary/5 Nights/3 September - 8 September 2025

      Wednesday 3 September 2025
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      Arrival in Jordan & Transfer to the Dead Sea

      Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you in the arrivals hall to take you to your hotel at the Dead Sea. After check-in you have the rest of the day/evening free to enjoy the pool and the beach on your own.

      Please note that many flights to Amman arrive at night time. Hotel check in is normally at 15:00 in the afternoon, so if you arrive in the night and want your room available upon arrival we recommend that you book a pre-night. The airport representative is also available for pre-night arrivals and participants also have transfer to the Dead Sea included for pre-night bookings.

      Meals: Not included

      Thursday 4 September 2025
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      The Dead Sea

      Wake up at the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – and start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today will be all about winding down and relaxing by the pool or floating on the surface of the Dead Sea, which is sometimes considered the largest spa in the world due to its healing properties. It is only fair you get to spend the whole day immersed in this magical place.

      You will also have the option of joining our full day excursion around some of the historical and cultural highlights of Jordan: Mt. Nebo, Madaba and Baptism Site. It’s an extraordinary excursion packed with knowledge from our experienced tour-guides.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Friday 5 September 2025
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      Dead Sea to Petra, Race Briefing & Pasta Dinner

      After breakfast, you’ll take a long drive to Wadi Musa (Petra) approximately 6 hours to enjoy the views from the window. Upon arrival you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before checking into your next hotel, the perfect location to get out and explore the illustrious “Red Rose City of Petra.” As the sun sets all runners will meet at tomorrow’s finish area, where the race officials and medical team will give the race briefing. Participants will also collect their goodie bags at the briefing. In the evening, carb-load with a pasta dinner served at your hotel restaurant.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

       

      Saturday 6 September 2025
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      Race Day!

      Today is the day we have all been waiting for! After an early wakeup call and a light continental breakfast, all runners will meet at the Petra Visitor Center at 5:45am and walk together through the Siq to the start line at the Street of Facades. As Petra is not open to the public at that time of day, runners will get the unique experience of seeing Petra without the crowds!

      In the evening we offer an optional local experience – Petra Kitchen – that can be booked in addition to the tour package. Please check the excursions below the itinerary for more details.

      Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

      Sunday 7 September 2025
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      Petra & Celebration Dinner

      Today, explore Petra’s full glory. After breakfast you will walk to Petra Visitor’s Centre for a guided tour of the site on foot and learn about the impressive history of yesterday’s starting point. The main entrance to the historical and archaeological city of Petra is the Siq. With walls rising up to 200 metres 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. After lunch you have free time, opt to try the Turkish baths and spas or enjoy one of the local restaurants. In the evening all participants will head to the desert for a festive celebration dinner. Dine, drink and dance under the stars.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner

      Monday 8 September 2025
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      Farewell Jordan, or Hello Extension!

      Sadly, your Jordan adventure has come to end, it is time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Checkout from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 (noon). All participants are transferred to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

      Four transfers are available at the following times (ARRIVAL times) at the airport on 4 September as follows: 05:00, 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

      It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don’t fit your onward journey (extra charge).

      Participants who book one of the extensions will start their adventure after breakfast today.

      Meals: Breakfast

  • Extensions

    • Adventure Extension – 8-11 September | 4 Days

      See the below section for day by day itinerary, the prices are as follows:

      Standard:
      Shared double room: £559 per person
      Single room: £659

      Comfort:
      Shared double room: £579 per person
      Single room: £739

      Deluxe:
      Shared double room: £619 per person
      Single room: £819

      Supplement for Upgrade to shared double room at Star Tent: £80
      Supplement for Upgrade to single room at Star Tent: £160

      Wonders of Amman: pre-tour – 2-3 September | 2 Days

      See the below section for day by day itinerary, the prices are as follows:

      Shared double room: £159
      Single room supplement: £218

    • Adventure Extension/4 days/8-11 September

      8 Sept: Little Petra - Monastery hike
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      After a good nights rest and a spirit of achievement we are ready to start our Adventure Extension!

      Our hike begins by the awe-inspiring “Little Petra,” setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Our expert tourguide will enrich you with knowledge about the area and prepare you for the journey ahead.

      From there, we’ll venture through the viewpoints of Wadi Mataha and Jabal al-Khubtha, guiding you to Petra’s lesser-known back entrances.

      After exploring the Monastery, we’ll make our way down to the iconic Treasury and emerge through the magnificent Siq.

      Meals: Breakfast and lunch

      9 Sept: Wadi Rum Desert
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      Vast, echoing, and god-like is how T.E. Lawrence described the Wadi Rum desert, also known as Valley of the Moon, and now it’s our turn to get lost in this stunning desert and sleep under the stars.

      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.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      10 Sept: Wadi Mujib and Amman
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      After breakfast in our camp we drive to the Wadi Mujib gorge, in many ways similar to the Siq in Petra – narrow and with towering cliffs rising on both sides. Through the gorge runs the Mujib River and this unique nature reserve is home to over 400 species of plants, more than 100 species of birds and animals like the Nubian Ibex, Red Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Cat, Caracal, Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard.

      We will see the Wadi Mujib on a 2-hour hike on the Siq Trail. This trail starts at the visitors center and then heads up into the canyon.

      We’ll follow the course of the river, wading through the water, up to the base of a large waterfall. Along the way, we’ll climb several smaller waterfalls with the help of fixed ropes, ladders, and our guide.

      Once we reach the waterfall, we can swim around in the pool at its base and even go behind the falls! Perhaps the best part, though, is after all the hard work is done – we’ll float peacefully back out of the canyon on the river, and really have time to soak in the surroundings. Please note that while this hike is rated easy – moderate, the depth of the pools can vary depending on seasonal conditions. Thus, the nature reserve authorities require anyone going on this trail to be 18 years old and capable of swimming.

      After leaving Wadi Mujib, we will head to Amman where we check in to our hotel.

      Meals: Breakfast and lunch

      11 Sept: Farewell Jordan
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      Our adventure in Jordan is over and it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Check out from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 in the afternoon. All participants are transferred from Amman to Queen Alia International Airport.

      Three transfers are available and ARRIVAL times at the airport are 05:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

      It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don’t fit your onward journey (extra charge).

      Meals: Breakfast

    • Wonders of Amman: pre-tour/2 Days/2-3 September

      2 Sept: Arrival in Amman
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      A warm and inviting welcome awaits as you check in at your hotel in Amman, where you stay overnight and look forward to the adventures to come!

      Meals: Not included

      3 Sept: Amman City tour and Jerash
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      Journey to Jerash and the Heart of Amman. The following day 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.

      Discovering Amman: The Vibrant Capital. It’s time for the big city! Now we’ll 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.

      Free Time and Souq Exploration. You’ll have free time to explore the city or visit the vibrant Souq Market.

      Finally, we arrive at our Dead Sea accommodations for a restful overnight stay as we join the rest of the runners on thetour package.

      Next up: The Petra Desert Marathon!

      Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • Baptism Site, Mt Nebo & Madaba/1 Day/4 September

      Baptism Site, Mt Nebo & Madaba
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      Prepare for a remarkable day as we explore Jordan’s most sacred and historic sites.

      Baptism Site: Where History and Faith Converge
      Your cultural endeavors of Jordan start after breakfast as you are picked up by our expert tour-guide. you will begin in the enchanting Jordan Valley.  This sacred place is believed to be where John the Baptist once preached and where he baptized Jesus, an extraordinary confluence of history and faith.

      Mount Nebo: The Holy Land
      Next up on your journey is Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed upon the Holy Land before settling in his final resting place. The breathtaking views and spiritual significance of this site are truly spectacular.

      Madaba: A Historic City of Mosaics
      Then you’ll head towards the historic city of Madaba, renowned for its captivating “Mosaic of Jerusalem” – one of the oldest pictorial representations of the Holy City. If the sky is clear you will have a wonderful view up from the mountain seeing the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Jericho in the other bank of the Jordan River.

    • Petra Kitchen 2025/2.5 Hours/6 September

      Petra Kitchen
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      Unleash Your Inner Chef
      Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Jordanian cuisine and enjoy an evening of culinary feast.

      In this exciting cooking class, a local chef will guide you through the art of crafting a mouthwatering traditional Jordanian meal.  With a focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an array of aromatic spices, you’ll practice the culinary techniques needed to create a delectable feast. You’ll have the opportunity to prepare a delightful spread of soups, salads, appetizers, and a tantalizing main course.

      A Feast for All
      After showing off our culinary expertise, we’ll gather around for dinner. You will receive the recipes, ensuring you can recreate these flavours at home and amaze your friends and family.

      A Well Deserved Meal
      Petra Kitchen is a fun and social way to celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon and a guaranteed delicious festive dinner!

      The class starts at 18:00 and expected dinner time is around 20:00.

      Limited seats available.

  • Packages & Rates

    • Marathon Tours & Travel 2025 Petra Desert Marathon Package

      The below information is based on the 2024 package, 2025 details coming soon.

      This year we are offering 2 accommodation packages to choose from starting at £1,215 per person based on sharing a twin (2 beds) or double room (1 double bed).

      Each package includes the following:

      • 5 nights’ accommodation
      • English-speaking tour leader
      • 4 scheduled departure transfers
      • 3-days entry to Petra
      • Celebration dinner including transportation
      • Arrival transfer from Amman Airport to Dead Sea
      • 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email

      Also available:

      • Marathon or Half Marathon entry – £240
      • Additional tours and excursions – See more details under “Extensions”

      Race Entry includes:

      • English-speaking race officials
      • Medical team
      • Timekeeping
      • Transport to the starting point
      • Manned drink stations including safety equipment
      • Start number and medal
      • Exclusive Petra Desert Marathon running T-shirt
      Prices are per personShared doubleSingle
      Standard Hotel Package£1,159£1439
      Comfort Hotel Package£1,319£1719
      Deluxe Hotel Package£1,559£2079
  • Hotels

    • Petra Desert Marathon - Standard Accommodation

      Grand East Hotel and Petra Icon Hotel (or similar)

      The standard package includes a 2-night stay at the Grand East Hotel – Dead Sea (or a similar property), followed by 3 nights at the Petra Icon Hotel (or a comparable hotel) in Petra.

      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 the Petra Icon Hotel which is in a great location near to the Petra entrance. This 3-star hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy room service and a restaurant. Each room is equipped with a kettle, flat-screen TV, and hairdryer.

      Petra Desert Marathon - Comfort Accommodation

      Crowne Plaza and Petra Moon (or similar)

      The comfort package stay the first 2 nights at the Crown Plaza or similar. The following 3 nights in Petra will be at Petra Moon or similar.

      The Crown Plaza is a 5-star hotel in an excellent location to enjoy a beautiful warm day nestled against the stunning Petra Mountains. Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV, and bathrooms with showers and bathtubs. The hotel provides a fitness centre and a heated outdoor pool.

      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.

      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.

  • Event Information

    • Race Date: 6th September 2025

      Start Time:

      The race starts at 06:30am, which means runners need to meet outside the Visitor Center at 05:45am.

      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 31km mark (10km for the half marathon) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point by 11:30am 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 90F.

      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 85-103F.

  • Registration & Booking

    • 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

      We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.

      If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.

      *7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP

      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 35°C / 95°F 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!

  • Seven Continents Club ®

    • The Seven Continents Club®️ (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club®️ rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!