Running26 - Petra Desert Marathon 2026

You'll arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you in the arrivals hall, after you've cleared immigration and customs, and guide you to the driver who will take you to your hotel at the Dead Sea - Hilton Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is truly unique as a landlocked lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel to the west, known for being one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. In fact, it is almost 10 times saltier than regular seawater, making it one of the most fascinating natural phenomena on Earth.

This extreme saltiness makes it impossible for plants and animals to thrive in it, hence its name. That being said, the Dead Sea is sometimes considered the largest spa in the world, due to its healing properties. According to the legend, Cleopatra would also visit the Dead Sea and use its products as part of her beauty regimen. It is the perfect way to mentally prepare yourself for the challenge ahead.

• Arrival in Jordan and transfer to your hotel at the Dead Sea
• Buffet dinner at the hotel
• Rest of the night at your leisure 

Today, we will wake up at the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – and start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
 After breakfast, relax with a float in the Dead Sea or join our optional Wadi Mujib adventure — a 2-hour hike through a stunning canyon. Follow the river, climb small waterfalls with ropes and ladders, swim at the base of a cascading fall, and float peacefully back downstream.

*Note: The hike is rated easy to moderate, but water levels vary by season.

After the Wadi Mujib hike, everyone will drive towards Wadi Musa (Petra). We will enjoy a picnic lunch en route in Wadi Araba. 

In Wadi Musa, we will check into the Mövenpick Resort Petra.

As the sun sets, all runners will meet at tomorrow’s finish area, where the race officials and medical team will give the Race Briefing.

In the evening, we can carbo-load with a pasta dinner at Petra Marriott Hotel, and then it's time to rest before the big day.

• Hotel breakfast and experience the Dead Sea
• Optional: Wadi Mujib adventure
• Transfer to Wadi Musa (Petra)
• Check into Mövenpick Resort Petra
• Race briefing at the finish area
• Carbo-load with a pasta dinner at Petra Marriott Hotel

The day we've all been waiting for! After a light breakfast, all runners meet outside the Petra Visitor Centre at 05:45. At 06:00, we'll walk together to the starting line.

At 06:30, the race starts for both marathon and 25 km runners. As Petra is not open to the public at that time of day, runners will get the unique experience of seeing Petra without the crowds. 

In the evening, as a pre-celebration of this remarkable day, guests are invited to enjoy a traditional Mansaf dinner in the desert, sharing stories and savoring Jordan’s most iconic dish under the starlit sky.

• The Petra Desert Marathon 

• Mansaf dinner in the desert 

• Rest 

After breakfast, we head towards Little Petra from where we will hike to Petra.
Often referred to as the backdoor trail to Petra, this approximately 8-kilometre hike from Little Petra takes you across red rocks, desert plains, and along exposed cliff edges, ending at the hugely impressive Monastery. From the Monastery, there is another 5 km hike back to the hotel through the ancient city of Petra, making the total distance approximately 13 km. 
We will enjoy lunch inside Petra. 
In the evening, all participants are invited to attend a Celebration Dinner, commemorating your accomplishments! Enjoy drinking, dining, and dancing under the stars!  

• Hike in Little Petra
• Lunch at a restaurant inside Petra
• Celebration dinner 

Embark on a thrilling adventure for a full-day 4WD tour to Wadi Rum. 

Embark on a guided hike with a local Bedouin to the summit of Jabal Umm ad Dami — Jordan’s highest peak at 1,854 meters. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views before exploring Jabal Burdah and Umm Fruth, with their dramatic rock formations and sweeping sand dunes. Experience the magic of Wadi Rum, where every step reveals a new adventure.
After an adventurous day in Wadi Rum, the tour ends with dinner and an overnight stay in Luxury Rum Magic Camp. You also have the option to upgrade to sleeping in a star tent in Wadi Rum to enjoy the beautiful desert scenery (See Important Info below).

• Adventure in Wadi Rum
• Overnight stay at a Bedouin camp (with option to upgrade to a star tent)

Sadly, our adventure in Jordan is over, and it is time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. We will be transferred from Wadi Rum to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, from where we will fly back to Copenhagen.

• Breakfast at your camp
• Check out
• Return to Copenhagen