Petra Desert Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Petra Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
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 past ancient tombs, mountainside carvings and caves. 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 join us in Amman a day early and explore Jordan’s most sacred and historic sites; Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Baptism Site.
Enjoy delicious cuisine, based on traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences; explore historical sites; and experience the warm hospitality of the Jordanians.
Meals Included
Breakfast & lunch per itinerary, Pre-race Pasta Dinner & Celebration Dinner
Guide
English-speaking tour guide
Transfers
Arrival/Departure Transfers included per itinerary
Trip Extension
Trip extensions are available upon request
Accommodation
Choose from standard & deluxe options
Entry
Marathon or Half Marathon entry – $360
Celebration Party
Celebration dinner with transportation
Excursions
Optional Petra Kitchen cooking class
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Wednesday, September 3
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.
Thursday, September 4
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.
Optional Full Day Tour to Baptism Site, Mt. Nebo & Madaba (limited availability & additional cost – $165)
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.
(Breakfast included)
Friday, September 5
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 6
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. Consider booking Petra Kitchen tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:30 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 – $65):
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 6:00 PM and will last about 2 hours followed by dinner at 8:00PM.
(Breakfast and packed lunch included)
Sunday, September 7
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)
Monday, September 8
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 Alia International Airport in Amman. Four transfers are available with ARRIVAL times at the airport on September 8 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. Those guests booking the Adventure Extension will start their adventure after breakfast today. (Breakfast Included)
Activities subject to change.
-
-
Extensions
-
Wonders of Amman | One-Night (Two-Day) Package: September 2 – 3, 2025
Tuesday, September 2 – 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! (no meals included)
Wednesday, September 3 – 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. (breakfast & lunch included)
Baptism Site, Mt Nebo & Madaba | Full Day Tour: September 4, 2025
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.
Adventure Extension | Three-Night (Four-Day) Package: September 8 – 11, 2025
Monday, September 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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)
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.
Thursday, September 11 – 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)
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Petra Tour | Five-Night Package: September 3 – 8, 2025
Features:
- Five-night hotel accommodations
- All hotel taxes
- Arrival transfer from Amman Airport 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 ($360 per entry)
- The Deluxe Package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel with a minimum of 25 guests.
Not included:
- Flight to/from Jordan
- Entry visa to Jordan
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips for local guides and drivers ($5USD/per person per day recommended)
- Travel, health or cancellation insurance
Optional Activities
Baptism Site, Mt Nebo & Madaba Full Day Tour | September 4, 2025 ($165): Enjoy a full day exploring Jordan’s most sacred and historic sites.
Petra Kitchen | September 6, 2025 ($65): 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
Pre-Race Extension | One-Night Package: September 2 – 3, 2025
Wonders of Amman Features:
- Arrival transfer to hotel
- One night in 4* Amman hotel
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Local English-Speaking Guide
- Meals according to itinerary
Not included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Travel, health or cancellation insurance
Post-Race Extensions | Three-Night Package: September 8 – 11, 2025
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 Little Petra, Wadi Rum and Wadi Mujib
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation per the itinerary
- Meals per the itinerary
Not Included:
- Gratuities and tips (recommended $5/person/day)
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)
Petra Tour | Five-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Package - Grand East Hotel (Dead Sea) | Petra Moon Hotel (Petra) $1525 per person $1915 Deluxe Package - Movenpick Dead Sea | Movenpick Petra $2055 per person $2775 Optional Activities Rates Cultural Excursion - September 4 $165 per person Petra Kitchen - September 6 $65 per person Post-Race Extensions | Three Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Adventure Extension - Standard $770 per person $910 Adventure Extension - Deluxe $855 per person $1125 Adventure Extension - Deluxe with upgrade to Star Tent (first night) $965 per person $1345 Pre-Race Extension | One-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Wonders of Amman $215 per person $295
-
-
Hotels
-
Deluxe Package
Please note: This package may be hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 25 guests.
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
The 5* Movenpick Dead Sea offers guests a deluxe visit with large rooms, each with a balcony or terrace. Catch some sun on Movenpick’s private beach or spend the day relaxing at the full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s many restaurants.
Mövenpick 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.
Standard PackageGrand East Hotel at the Dead Sea (or similar)
The Grand East Hotel is a 3* property located directly along the Dead Sea. Offering spacious rooms, diverse restaurants, a spa center and pool, this is an ideal hotel for your visit at the Dead Sea.
Petra 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.
Wonders of Amman (Pre-Trip)4* Hotel Amman
Adventure ExtensionSeptember 8 – Dead Sea hotel per your booked package
September 9 – Magic rum Luxury Camp (or similar) a tented camp in Wadi Rum – Star Tent Dome Upgrade available.
September 10 – 4* Hotel in Amman
-
-
Event Information
-
Race Date: September 6, 2025
Start Time: 6:30 AM
Entry Fee: The entry fee is $360 USD
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 (12 KM for the 25KM/15.53 mile run) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point by 11:30 AM will not be allowed to finish the race.
The Course: (This is 2024 course description/2025 course has minor changes) 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 paved road leads runners out of the Petra Archaeological Park boundaries and via the main road towards the desert on hilly tarmac road. After 8KM, 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 loop around the hill top “Al Musirh”. Leaving Siq al Bard at Little Petra, the route is back on the tarmac road heading towards the village of Ammarine
Just before the village half-marathon runners continue straight through the village while marathon runners turn left on the road leading to Wadi Araba to do a 8 KM back tracking stretch running past incredible rock formations that only 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 KM, 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 are steep downhill running on paved roads towards the finish line.
Temperature: 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.
For more information click here
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates may change due to currency fluctuations.
Race entry: Guaranteed entry is additional and not included in the package cost.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $600 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before June 1, 2025.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA or Canada. Marathon Tours & Travel is authorized to sell to a resident of a country where there is not an existing official Tour Operator.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
-
-
Testimonials
-
"A fabulous athletic competition..." - 2023
A fabulous athletic competition with the chance to learn.
"Tour leaders were so great..." - 2023Tour leaders were so great, kind, fun, always ready to help us.
"A singular world-class desert event in and of itself..." - 2019The event… A singular world-class desert event in and of itself. The UNESCO site history guaranteed to bring chills on 40C days, if one remembers the thousands of lives passing before the historic Treasury, the Roman ruins, the Monastery, the cave shops, and other areas from more than 2,000 years ago.
"Overall - a great trip..." - 2019Overall – a great trip. Once again Marathon Tours & Travel does an outstanding job on seeing that runners, guest and family members receive Class A service.
"Cannot thank your company and your staff enough..." - 2019Cannot thank your company and your staff enough for organizing this remarkable race! Done a few cool stuffs in my life on my own, so I was a bit hesitant at the beginning about travelling with a group. To my greatest surprise, I had a blast! From my arrival to Jordan to my departure, I felt I was well looked after. Very well organized trip! Looking forward to seeing you all again!
"Marathon Tours & Travel does an outstanding job..." - 2019Marathon Tours & Travel does an outstanding job on all arrangements.
"The adventure extension was amazing..." - 2017The adventure extension was amazing.
"I would highly recommend this trip..." - 2017I would highly recommend this trip and race to everyone. The food, people and race was very unique. This is one of my favorite trips.
"The post race celebration was beyond..." - 2016The post race celebration was beyond an expectation that I had for the trip.
"It was all excellent..." - 2016It was all excellent. The Petra stay was special as well as the adventure trip. All 3 days were different experiences and showed what Jordan has to offer for tourism.
-
Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Born and raised in Canada, Marcie discovered the magic of road cycling in grade six after earning a 10-speed bike selling oranges for her school fundraiser. Although active in soccer, basketball and rowing during her school years, she admits that physical activity took a backseat to a career in design.
While raising her kids in New England, she rekindled her love of cycling in 2016 and, as a personal challenge, added running and swimming in 2018 to compete in her first 70.3 Triathlon in Prague, CZ to celebrate her 50th birthday. Since then, she has completed two full and five half distance triathlons; and a number of gravel and CX races. Her love of travel and cycling has spurred her to ride her bike more than 24,000 miles in the last six years including multi-day adventures across Czech Republic and three different states. She has circumvented Lake Champlain and conquered mountains in Austria, Canada and the US on two wheels.
Though competitive in nature and fueled by the excitement of a new venue, Marcie found that her greatest joy in racing Triathlon came from the challenge of planning for the unexpected and getting to know people along the course, hearing their stories and motivations and finding out their “WHY”.
A self-admitted “Jack of all trades”, Marcie comes to MTT with work experiences as both a bicycle mechanic and a producer of custom cycling endurance apparel. Marcie currently manages running packages to Big Five, Petra, Iceland Volcano, Polar Circle, Midnight Marathon, Lost City, First Light, Queenstown, Great Wall, and our very own Patagonia Running Festival. She is excited be a part of your journey and to help you to achieve your “WHY”.
