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The Petra Desert Marathon is a challenging adventure marathon set in the beautiful desert region of Jordan. From the lunar-like mountain landscape to the arid desert, runners navigate challenging terrain in the dry, desert heat. The route is run on a mixture of gravel and paved roads. The surface in the desert sections is sand with loose rocks.
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 2km 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 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 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 8km back tracking stretch running past incredible rock formations that only few tourists visit.
When passing the 30km 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 kilometres.
The final 4 kilometres are steep downhill running on paved roads towards the finish line.
Note: The Petra Desert Marathon is a hilly course with an ascent of roughly 1,200m and a descent of 1,100m.
Have you thought about extending your stay? Check out our amazing optional tours to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
Testimonials
Flights and Additional Travel
Travelling Fit is a fully accredited travel agency which offers a full range of services to our clients. This enables us to book your flights and additional touring to help us assist you in creating your perfect holiday experience.
Entry Fees
The entry fee for the Petra Desert Marathon is included in the package
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times required for the Petra Desert Marathon
Marathon runners must be minimum 18 years old on race day.
Start Time
The Petra Desert Marathon has a scheduled start time of 06:30am.
Cut-Off Times
All runners have 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 meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point at 11:30 will not be allowed to finish the race.
Race Timing
Timing is done with AMB Chip. The chip will be in the race pack that runners receive the day before the race.
The chip must be attached around the ankle with the velcro strap that follows or in the shoe lace.
The chip must be handed back to the timing staff at the finish line.
Race Packets
At the race briefing the night before the race, runners will receive their race packets.
Inside this bag you’ll find your start number, race t-shirt, information on the route, and your timing chip/velcro strap.
Pace Setters
There are no official pace setters for the Petra Desert Marathon
Aid Stations
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometres along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water. Marathon runners will be offered energy gel after 26km and 35km.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to selected drinks stations. Marathon runners can get personal supplies at four stations.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
Personal belongings can be dropped off at the Visitors Centre and will be brought to the finish area. Any personal belongings you want available at the finish area should be packed in a bag or backpack and clearly marked with your name and start number. The bag must be handed over to the race officials at Petra Visitors Centre before 5:30 on race day morning.
The walk from the Visitors Centre to the start line can be chilly and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the walk. This jacket or sweater can be dropped at the start line and will be brought to the finish area. Again we ask you to clearly mark all your belongings with name and start number.
The Petra Desert Marathon organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items or valuables.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to 4 of the drinks stations.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
After the event, water and a sandwich lunch are given to all participants. Checked-in bags can be picked up at the bag check-out area.
Transport
All runners must meet at the Petra Visitor Centre (within walking distance from your hotel) and from there you walk 2.5 kilometers 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 where you will make your short way back to your hotel.
Expo
There will not be an Expo.
Finishers T-shirts, Medals and Certificates
All runners who complete the marathon within the time limit will receive a medal after crossing the finish line.
The official race event shirt will be included in your race pack.
Weather Conditions
The temperature in late August/early September is around 30 degrees Celsius and can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (86-104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Night time temperatures can be as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit)
Other Events
Half Marathon
Petra Desert Marathon
This is a short note from Lisa and I to let you know how much we appreciate your efforts in getting us to events in far off places. You guys rock when it comes to being organised and making sure that ...This is a short note from Lisa and I to let you know how much we appreciate your efforts in getting us to events in far off places. You guys rock when it comes to being organised and making sure that we have the best time. I have sent a small gift of thanks for doing a fantastic job in looking after all my requests, changes etc, not only this year but previous years. The advice we receive from Travelling Fit in how to get the best out of our holiday time, and our dollars has been invaluable.
We are anticipating heading back to Jordan again next year and will be doing a few extra trips while we are there so will once again rely on your expertise, tolerance of my endless question and good humour.
Written By Tony and Lisa McAlister, NSW
Welcome to Petra
Run from the ancient city carved in the sandstone-mountains and through the lunar-like landscape of the Jordanian desert.
The Petra Desert Marathon is part of a five-day tour package with great opportunity to explore one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
A guided tour, a full day to visit on your own and of course the start of the race will make you see parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site that most never will.
With a grand celebration dinner under the stars, a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and the opportunity to extend your trip on a Cultural or Adventure tour, you will be flying back home with a suitcase full of memories from this friendly country.
Travelling Fit is an accredited travel agency which offers a full range of services to our clients. This enables us to book your flights and additional touring to help us assist you in creating your perfect holiday experience.
Packages Include
- Guaranteed Race Entry (runners only)
- 4 Nights Accommodation:
Check in: Thu 02 Sep, Check out: Mon 06 Sep 2021 - Meet and Greet on arrival
- Arrival transfer (Comfort and Deluxe Package only)
- 4 scheduled departure transfers (hotel to airport)
- Meals as per itinerary including post race Celebration Dinner
- Transportation during tour as per itinerary
- 3 Days entry to Petra
- English speaking tour leader
- Personalised Travelling Fit Running Top
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Invite to Travelling Fit's Petra Desert Marathon Closed Facebook Group
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients
 | $850 per Runner and $650 per Supporter If adding an Extension Tour please add the following:
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| $450 per Runner and per Supporter due Friday 05 March 2021 |
 | Tuesday 01 June 2021 |
