Petra Desert Marathon

Welcome to Jordan!

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)

Please note: check in at the hotel is not until 3:00PM.  If you arrive early in the morning, consider booking a pre-night so that your room is ready for you when you arrive. 

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:

Baptism Site, Mt. Nebo & Madaba Day Tour (Limited Availability): Enjoy a remarkable day as we explore Jordan’s most sacred and historic sites. Your tour begins in the enchanting Jordan Valley with a visit to the legendary Baptism Site. This sacred place is believed to be where John the Baptist once preached and where he baptized Jesus, and extraordinary confluence of history and faith. Afterwards, take in the breathtaking view and spiritual significance of Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed upon the Holy Land before settling in his final resting place. Continuing towards the historic city of Madaba, renowned for its captivating “Mosaic of Jerusalem”, enjoy a wonderful view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Jericho on the other bank of the Jordan River. This historic and spiritual journey with stay with you. ($165 per person)

(Breakfast included)

Dead Sea to Petra, Race Briefing & Pasta Dinner

After breakfast, we check out and drive by coach bus for approximately four 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)

 Race Day !

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 5:45 AM. All participants will walk together to the start line located just before the Siq.  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. 

Marathon and 25KM runners will both start at 6:30 AM. All participants will start in front of the Siq. 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. 

This evening, consider adding the Petra Kitchen Experience to your itinerary and enjoy a hands-on culinary session preparing traditional Jordanian dishes, followed by a festive shared meal with fellow travelers.

Petra Kitchen Experience (Limited Availability): 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 accomplishment! The class starts at 6:00 PM and will last about 2 hours followed by dinner at 8:00PM. ($65 per person)

(Breakfast and packed lunch included)

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 exploring the area and lunch (on your own), you can continue exploring Petra and return to your hotel at your leisure. Consider relaxing and recovering from yesterday in one of the area’s Turkish baths and spas or treat yourself to the unbelievably tasty Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. 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)

Transfer provided to your hotel in Amman where you can rest after your travels and look forward to your adventure starting in the morning! (No meals included) 

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)

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)

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)​

Please note that while the hike is rated as easy-moderate, the depth of the pools can vary depending on seasonal conditions.  Anyone going on this trail must be 18 years old and capable of swimming.