{"id":375,"date":"2023-04-01T18:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-04-01T22:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa.marathontours.com\/events\/petra-desert-marathon\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T11:08:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T15:08:18","slug":"petra-desert-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-us\/events\/petra-desert-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Petra Desert Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":471,"template":"","event_types":[6,106,104,101],"event_locations":[18],"event_distances":[11,12],"event_course_types":[16],"event_seasons":[22],"class_list":["post-375","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-adventure","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_types-trail","event_locations-asia","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-autumn"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":430,"event_logo":470,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"available","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Available Soon","url":"mailto:kaitlyn.roukey@marathontours.com","target":"_blank"}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/forms.marathontours.com\/booking?tc=PDM","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel's Petra Packages please:\u00a0EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0CALL 617-242-7845<\/a><\/p>\r\nEnjoy a race like no other!\u202f <\/span>The Petra Desert Marathon<\/span><\/b>\u202fis 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWe offer a five-night\/six-day package, which includes your hotel accommodations, English speaking guide and a two-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), Wadi Mujib, and the capital city of Amman OR join us in Amman day early and explore historic sites including the Citadel and Roman Theatre along with Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nEnjoy delicious cuisine, based on traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences; explore historical sites; and experience the warm hospitality of the Jordanians.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Breakfast & lunch per itinerary, Pre-race Pasta Dinner & Celebration Dinner","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"English-speaking tour guide"},"transfers":{"detail":"Arrival\/Departure Transfers included per itinerary","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Trip extensions are available upon request"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Choose from standard & deluxe options"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Marathon or Half Marathon entry \u2013 $360"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Celebration dinner with transportation","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Optional Petra Kitchen cooking class"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":""}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":438},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":430},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5mOX_tg6iXc"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":426},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":455},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":435}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"Petra Desert Marathon Package","package_duration":"5 Nights","package_dates":"September 2 - 7, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, September 2","day_content":"Welcome to Jordan! <\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive 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)<\/em>\r\n\r\nPlease <\/span>note:<\/span> check in at the hotel is not until 3:00<\/span>PM.\u00a0 <\/span>If you arrive early in the morning, consider booking a pre-night so that your room is ready for you when you arr<\/span>ive.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, September 3","day_content":"The Dead Sea<\/strong>\r\n\r\nToday 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.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, you can choose to join our full day excursion with our knowledgeable guides that highlights the historical and cultural significance of Jordan\u2019s Mt. Nebo, Madaba and Baptism Site:\r\n\r\nBaptism Site, Mt. Nebo & Madaba Day Tour (Limited Availability)<\/em>: <\/strong>Enjoy a remarkable day as we explore Jordan\u2019s 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 \u201cMosaic of Jerusalem\u201d, 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)<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, September 4","day_content":"Dead Sea to Petra, Race Briefing & Pasta Dinner<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter 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 \u201cRed Rose City of Petra.\u201d In the late afternoon, all runners meet for a race briefing given by the Race Officials and the medical team.\u00a0 Afterwards, enjoy the pre-race dinner at your respective hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, September 5","day_content":"\u00a0R<\/span>ace Day<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe 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. \u00a0As Petra is not open to the public at this time of day, runners will get the unique experience of seeing Petra without the crowds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMarathon 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.\u202f <\/span>\r\n\r\nThis 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.\r\n\r\nPetra Kitchen Experience (Limited Availability):<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Under 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 <\/span>6:00<\/span> PM and will last about 2<\/span> hours<\/span> followed by dinner at 8:00PM.<\/span><\/span> ($65 per person)<\/span><\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and packed lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, September 6","day_content":"Petra Sightseeing and Celebration Dinner<\/strong>\r\n\r\nToday 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 <\/span>200 meters<\/span> in height, this narrow gorge, split apart by tectonic forces, winds its way 1.2KM through the mountains and ends at Petra\u2019s 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 <\/span>exploring<\/span> the area and <\/span>lunch (on your own), you can continue exploring Petra and return to your hotel at your leisure. <\/span>Consid<\/span>er relaxing and recovering from yesterday in one of the area\u2019s Turkish baths and spas or treat yourself to the unbelievably tasty Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. <\/span><\/span>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! <\/span><\/span>(Breakfast and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, September 7","day_content":"Adventure Extension or Farewell to Jordan<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOur adventure in Petra has come to an end and it\u2019s time to bid farewell.<\/span> Check out <\/span>from<\/span> the hotel must be completed before 12:00 PM<\/span>.\u202f All<\/span> participants, unless you opted for <\/span><\/span>the adventure extension, are transferred to Queen <\/span>Alia <\/span>International Airport in Amman. Four transfers are available <\/span>with<\/span> ARRIVAL times at the airport on September 7<\/span> 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 <\/span>additional<\/span> charge. This must be requested in advance.\u202fGuests who booked the Adventure Extension will start their adventure after breakfast today. <\/span><\/span>(Breakfast Included)<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nActivities subject to change.<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"

Pre & Post-Race Extensions<\/h3>","event_extensions_packages":[{"package_title":"Wonders of Amman Extension","package_duration":"1 Night","package_dates":"September 1 \u2013 2, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Tuesday, September 1","day_content":"Transfer provided to your hotel in Amman where you can rest after your travels and look forward to your adventure starting in the morning!\u202f<\/em><\/span><\/span>(No meals included)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, September 2","day_content":"Today we embark on a captivating exploration of Jerash, often referred to as the \u201cPompeii of the East.\u201d 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.\u202f After Jerash, we will head to Amman, Jordan\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nYou 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. (<\/em><\/span><\/span>Breakfast & Lunch included)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em>"}]},{"package_title":"Adventure Extension","package_duration":"3 Nights","package_dates":"September 7 \u2013 10, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Monday, September 7","day_content":"After a good night\u2019s sleep, you will be ready to set off on our Adventure Extension!\u00a0 Starting at the awe-inspiring \u201cLittle Petra\u201d, Our expert guide will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.\u00a0 Venturing through Wadi Mataha & Jabal al- Khubtha, you will see some of Petra\u2019s lesser-known back entrances.\u00a0 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)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, September 8","day_content":"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 \u201cLawrence of Arabia.\u201d\r\n\r\nFrom 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.\u00a0 (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, September 9","day_content":"Following breakfast, we drive to Wadi Mujib Gorge, which in many ways is \u00a0like 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, \u00a0Jackal 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)\u200b<\/em>\r\n\r\nPlease note that while the hike is rated as easy-moderate, the depth of the pools can vary depending on seasonal conditions<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>Anyone going on this trail must be 18 years <\/span>old<\/span> and capable of swimming.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, September 10","day_content":"Enjoy a \u00a0leisurely morning before checking out of your hotel by 12:00 PM and departing for your international trip home.\u00a0 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)<\/em>"}]}],"event_packages_and_rates":"

Petra Tour | Five-Night Package: September 2 \u2013 7, 2026<\/h3>\r\nFeatures:\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n