Race Information

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.

It is possible to change the distance you want to run up to 10 days before the race starts. All you need to do is contact us with your request.

If you want to change your distance while on tour, contact a race official before or after the race briefing. You must bring your original race number!

Change of distance is NOT PERMITTED on Race Day.

Petra Desert Marathon 2024 will take place on 07 September. 

In 2025 Race Day will be 06 September

A team of specialised doctors from Denmark and paramedics from Jordan will supervise the marathon and assist in case of injury or exhaustion. The medical team has undisputed authority to exclude runners who, according to the doctors’ judgment, should not continue running if there is a serious health risk to the runner. The medical team will be patrolling the route and be situated in the finish area and on strategic points of the route.

Runners who wish to drop out of the marathon should go to the nearest drink station and wait for a medic or race official car. If it is not practical to go to a drink station, simply wait at the side of the road. We encourage all participants to look out for each other and report to the officials or medical team if you see an injured runner on the route.

All decisions made by the medical team are final and not up for discussion.

If you take daily medicine prescribed by your physician or need any other medication, please inform the race doctors in advance by writing to marathon@albatros-adventure.com

Personal belongings can be dropped off at the Visitor's Centre and will be brought to the finish area. Any personal belongings that 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 the Petra Visitor's 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 selected drinks stations (please see the route map for specifics). Marathon runners can get personal supplies at four stations and half-marathon runners at one station. 

The personal supplies can be food, drinks, 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 drink station you want it deposited at.

Personal supplies deposited at the drink stations will not be returned.

All finishers receive a medal. A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners of both distances for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money.

English-speaking race officials are in charge of setting up the route as well as controlling the logistics on race day. They will be patrolling the route and guiding on the most crucial places on the course. Assisting guides will also be placed on the route to show directions. 

The race officials reserve the right to change the course and other aspects of the race without advance notice.

Please note that all decisions made by the race officials and/or medical team are final.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons™.

Registration closes on 31 July 2024 for the 2024 Petra Desert Marathon. After this date, no new entries will be accepted.

Change of Distance: If you decide to change distance during the race, the race result will read FNT (finished no time). All runners who change distances before race day will be registered accordingly and receive an official time.

Top Finishers: The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first three to physically cross the finish line regardless of their net time.

Gear: Nordic walking and trekking poles are not allowed.

Timing is done with an AMB Chip. The chip will be in the goodie bag that runners receive. The chip must be attached around the ankle with a velcro strap (also provided in the goodie bag) or in the shoe lace. The chip must be handed back to the staff at the finish line.

Live results will be available from the Results page.

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! See more on our Climate & Weather page.