Petra Desert Marathon

5 Sep 2020 / 4 Sep 2021

Petra Desert Marathon 2021 5-day package

Run back in time!
2-6 Sep
5 days
995 USD

Book package

Starting from the ancient city of Petra, the marathon route takes runners on a scenic tour through the stunning mountain and desert landscape. Take part in a historic run in remarkable settings - you'll explore the UNESCO-accredited site before heading into the expansive desert. Before and after the marathon, you'll get the pleasure of tasting delicious Jordanian cuisine, meeting welcoming people, and immersing yourself in their rich history and culture. 

You can also extend your stay in Jordan with tours suited for the adventurous or the cultural traveler.

English

Itinerary

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

2 Sept 2021Arrival in Amman

You'll arrive in the 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. For more details please see our Passports & Visa section.

The tour offers a selection of three different hotel levels: Standard, Comfort, and Deluxe.
The program for the three options is identical, except for Day 1 as follows:

Standard Package:
Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you in the arrivals hall, after you've cleared immigration and customs, and guide you to the taxi stand. Transfer to the hotel in Amman is at your own expense, but fares are set (expect JOD 25 for a one-way ride from the airport to Amman city).

After check-in you have the rest of the day/evening free to relax in your room or explore Amman on your own.
 

Comfort and Deluxe Package:
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 that will take you to your hotel at the Dead Sea.

Transfer to the Dead Sea is included in the package cost and will be arranged according to your arrival. Note, however, that other Petra Desert Marathon participants may arrive at the same time as you, in which case you will share the bus with them. After check-in you have the rest of the day/evening free to enjoy the pool and the beach on your own.

Please note that many flights to Amman arrive at night time. Hotel check in is normally at 15:00 in the afternoon, so if you arrive in the night and want your room available upon arrival we recommend that you book a pre-night. The airport representative is also available for pre-night arrivals and comfort and deluxe package participants also have transfer to the Dead Sea included for pre-night bookings.

Meals: Not included

3 Sept 2021Dead Sea/Amman to Petra and Pasta Dinner

Standard Package:
After breakfast at our hotel in Amman, we'll check out and drive by bus to Wadi Musa (Petra). Upon arrival, we'll go straight for lunch at a local restaurant while we wait for our rooms to be ready for check in at 15:00.

Comfort and Deluxe Package:
Waking up at the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – you can start the day with breakfast at the hotel, a swim in the Dead Sea and relax by the pool. In the early afternoon we'll check out and drive by bus to Wadi Musa (Petra). On the way, we'll stop for lunch. When we arrive in Wadi Musa, we'll check in at our hotel, which is not far from the entrance to 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 about tomorrow's run.

In the evening, we can carbo-load with a pasta dinner served at our respective hotel restaurants.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

4 Sept 2021Race day

Today is the day we have all been waiting for! After an early wakeup call and a light continental breakfast, all runners meet outside the Petra Visitor Center. At 05:15, all participants will walk together through the Siq to the start line at the Street of Facades. 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.

The race starts at 06:30AM for both full and half-marathon runners. Although Petra Desert Marathon is regarded as an official race, following international competition rules including time taking, it is important to remember that it is first and foremost an adventure marathon in which the experience, scenery, and satisfaction in completing is more important than winning or setting a personal record. For a detailed description of the route, have a look at our Route & Elevation section. At the finish line, refreshments and your medal will be waiting for you. 

In the evening we offer two optional local experiences - Petra Kitchen and Petra by Night - that can be booked in addition to the tour package. Please the excursions below the itinerary for more details. 

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch 

5 Sept 2021Petra and Celebration Dinner

Today we get to explore Petra's full glory. After breakfast, we will walk to Petra Visitor's Center where we will start our guided tour on foot and learn about the impressive history of yesterday’s starting point.

The main entrance to the historical and archeological city of Petra is the Siq. With walls rising up to 200 metres in height, this narrow gorge, split apart by tectonic forces, winds its way 1.2 km through the mountains and ends at Petra's most elaborate temple, the Treasury. We'll walk through the Siq again and 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. We'll spend some time exploring the area and buy lunch on our own, after which we'll head back to our hotel.

Depending on how much time you want to spend in Petra, you can also relax and recover from the strenuous efforts of yesterday in one of the area's Turkish baths and spas or simply treat yourself at a local restaurant with the unbelievably tasty Jordanian cuisine.

In the evening, all participants will head to the desert, where we celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon with a festive celebration dinner. Dine, drink, and dance under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

6 Sept 2021Farewell Jordan or Hello Extension

Sadly, our adventure in Jordan is over and it is time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Checkout from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 (noon). All participants are transferred to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

Four transfers are available with ARRIVAL times at the airport on 9 September as follows: 05:00, 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don't fit your onward journey (extra charge).

Participants who book one of the extensions will start their adventure after breakfast today.

Meals: Breakfast

Excursions

Petra Kitchen 2021

4 Sep | 2.5 hours | 50 USD
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In this cooking class, a chef will teach us how to cook a traditional Jordanian meal. Using fresh ingredients and local spices, we will chop, cut, slice, and mix to create a tasty array of soup, salads, appetizers and a main course. Of course, we will all sit down at the end of the class and enjoy our cooking while the chef hands out the full recipes, so we can impress our friends and family at home.

Petra Kitchen is a fun and social way to celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon and a guaranteed delicious festive dinner - regardless of cooking skills!

The class starts at 17:30 and expected dinner time is around 19:00, which means that you will also be able to join the Petra by Night tour. 

Maximum number of participants is 80.

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Petra by Night 2021

4 Sep | 2 hours | 40 USD
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Starting from the Petra Visitors Center after dark, we walk 2 km through the Siq to the Treasury on the path lit by candles. Nothing matches this special atmosphere where the candles throw flickering shadows on the rock walls and the Treasury stands mythical and awe-inspiring as we exit the Siq. A local musician will play the pipe and a storyteller will share a magical tale of Petra and the Nabateans.

This show normally only runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but Petra Desert Marathon participants will get an exclusive chance to experience it as the Petra by Night organizers have agreed to open the gates on the evening of the Petra Desert Marathon.

The tour runs with a minimum of 150 participants.

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Extensions

Adventure Extension 2021

6-9 Sep | 4 days | 695 USD
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  • Wadi Rum Desert
  • Bedouin Tents at night in the Mazayen Rum Camp
  • Star Tents Aerial View
  • Star Tents feature a panoramic window
  • Wadi Mujib
  • Wadi Mujib
  • Day 1 - 6 Sept: Wadi Rum Desert

    Vast, echoing, and god-like is how T.E. Lawrence described the Wadi Rum desert, also known as Valley of the Moon, and now it’s our turn to get lost in this stunning desert and sleep under the stars.

    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 the Mazayan Rum Camp with the choice of a Bedouin Tent or a Star Tent.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Day 2 - 7 Sept: Dana Valley and White Dome Trail

    We enjoy breakfast Bedouin style before the jeeps bring us back to the Visitor Center where our bus will take us to the village of Tafilah. From here we set out for an 8 km hike through the Dana Valley – one of Jordan's premier nature reserves. The trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana and offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like valley while passing through terraced gardens. After approximately 4 hours, we'll reach Rummana Camp, from where we drive to Grand East Hotel Dead Sea for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 3 - 8 Sept: Wadi Mujib and Amman

    We have breakfast at our hotel and then enjoy a free morning at the Dead Sea. We drive to the Wadi Mujib gorge, in many ways similar to the Siq in Petra - narrow and with towering cliffs rising on both sides. Through the gorge runs the Mujib River and this unique nature reserve is home to over 400 species of plants, more than 100 species of birds and animals like the Nubian Ibex, Red Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Cat, Caracal, Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard.

    We will see the Wadi Mujib on a 2-hour hike on the Siq Trail. This trail starts at the visitors center and then heads up into the canyon. We'll follow the course of the river, wading through the water, up to the base of a large waterfall. Along the way, we'll climb several smaller waterfalls with the help of fixed ropes, ladders, and our guide. Once we reach the waterfall, we can swim around in the pool at its base and even go behind the falls! Perhaps the best part, though, is after all the hard work is done - we'll float peacefully back out of the canyon on the river, and really have time to soak in the surroundings. Please note that while this hike is rated easy - moderate, the depth of the pools can vary depending on seasonal conditions. Thus, the nature reserve authorities require anyone going on this trail to be 18 years old and capable of swimming. 

    After leaving Wadi Mujib, we will head to Amman where we check in to our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 4 - 9 Sept: Farewell Jordan

    Our adventure in Jordan is over and it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Check out from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 in the afternoon. All participants are transferred from Amman to Queen Alia International Airport.

    Three transfers are available and ARRIVAL times at the airport are 05:00, 13:00 and 18:00. 

    It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don't fit your onward journey (extra charge).

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price Information

    Prices per person:

    Shared double room: USD 695
    Single room supplement: USD +150

    Upgrade to shared double room at Star Tent: USD 795
    Single room supplement at Star Tent: USD +250

  • Inclusions
    • 1 night in Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum
    • 1 night in Grand East Hotel Dead Sea
    • 1 night in a 4-star Hotel in Amman
    • Transportation as per itinerary
    • Local English-speaking
    • Entrance fee to Wadi Rum and Wadi Mujib
    • Meals according to itinerary
  • Exclusions
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Cancellation insurance due to illness prior to departure
    • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
    • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
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Cultural Extension 2021

6-9 Sep | 4 days | 600 USD
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  • Temple of Artemis in Jerash
  • Mount Nebo
  • Bethany Beyond the Jordan
  • Madaba Basilica of Saint George
  • Day 1 - 6 Sept: Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism Site, & Amman

    We start our day with a visit to the historic city of Madaba, famous for the ancient “Mosaic of Jerusalem” – one of the oldest pictured testimonies of the Holy City. A church has now been built up around the mosaic for protection of this historical site.

    We'll continue to Mount Nebo, the mountain where Moses saw the Holy Land before finding his final resting place on the mountain. We can enjoy the great views all the way to Israel and down the Jordan Valley. We'll then continue down the Jordan Valley to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, or better known as the Baptism Site. This place has been identified as the likely site where John the Baptist preached and where he subsequently baptized Jesus.

    We finish our day in Amman, where we'll check into our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 2 - 7 Sept: As-Salt and Amman

    Today, we will be heading to the small town of As-Salt. A living museum, As-Salt features old lanes and beautiful houses from the late Ottoman period. A walking tour through this inviting community showcases some of Jordan's most charming buildings and bazaars. In As-Salt, many traditional businesses and skilled artisans enrich the city's cultural life, and as you walk down the street, you will see a variety of different trades and shops, including blacksmiths, shoemakers, barbershops, Arabic sweet stores, and herbalists.

    After our visit in As-Salt, we drive back to Amman and will do a sightseeing tour of the capital's most prominent places and buildings.

    We'll end the day in our hotel in Amman.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 3 - 8 Sept: Ajloun and Jerash

    After breakfast, we'll head to the Castle of Ajloun, another highlight of northern Jordan. The Qalat er-Rabad, as the Ajlun Castle is locally known, was the base of the Arab forces of Saladin when he defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century. The nearby Ajlun Mountains are famous for their lush vegetation and thick green forest.

    We'll then drive north through the Jordan Valley to the excavated city of Jerash, known as Pompeii of the East. The well-preserved ruins were once the ground pillars of a Roman Decapolis city built in approximately 330 BC. At its peak, the city flourished from trade with the Nabateans in Petra and was one of the most important cities in the Roman province. In 747 AD, Jerash was hit by an earthquake and slowly the city was abandoned. As the years went by, sand buried the columns and buildings, which is why everything was so well preserved when a Russian expedition excavated the city in 1878. A modern city has been built next to the ancient city of ruins, so visitors can see both sides of Jordan. 

    After lunch in Jerash, we'll drive back to Amman. In the evening, we'll head to a local restaurant in Amman for a farewell dinner together.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Day 4 - 9 Sept: Farewell Jordan

    Our adventure in Jordan is over and it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Checkout from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 noon. All participants are transferred from Amman to Queen Alia International Airport.

    Three transfers are available and ARRIVAL times at the airport are 05:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

    It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don't fit your onward journey (extra charge).

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price Information

    All prices are per person.

    Shared double room: USD 600
    Single room supplement: USD +195

  • Inclusions
    • 3 nights in Grand Palace Hotel, Amman
    • Transportation as per itinerary
    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Entrance fee to Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Baptism Site and Jerash
    • Meals according to itinerary
  • Exclusions
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Cancellation insurance due to illness prior to departure
    • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
    • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
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Price information

Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

Prices

All prices are per person in USD.

Standard Package 
Shared double room:  USD 995  
Single room supplement:  USD +150  

Comfort Package
Shared double room:  USD 1195  
Single room supplement:  USD +295  

Deluxe Package
Shared double room:  USD 1395
Single room supplement:  USD +395

Inclusions

  • 4 nights accommodation in chosen hotel category
  • Arrival transfer from Amman Airport to Dead Sea (Comfort and Deluxe only) 
  • Scheduled departure transfer to Amman airport (all packages)
  • Transportation as per itinerary
  • English-speaking tour leader
  • 3-day entry to Petra
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Celebration dinner

Exclusions

  • Flight to/from Jordan
  • Entry visa to Jordan
  • Arrival transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel (Standard package only)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for local guides and drivers (USD 5 per person per day is recommended)
  • Cancellation insurance due to illness or injury prior to departure
  • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
  • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

Race Entry

Marathon or half-marathon entry - USD 250

Race entry includes:

  • English-speaking race officials
  • Start number
  • Finishers medal
  • Danish and Jordanian medical team
  • Time-taking
  • Supplies on the route
  • Exclusive Petra Desert Marathon 2021 running T-shirt

Booking and Payment

The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount, 75% of the total trip price, will be charged to the customer’s payment card as provided by the customer, 75 days before trip departure. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Important Info

Arrival Information

Comfort and Deluxe Package:

Participants have arrival transfer to the Dead Sea included regardless of arrival time. A Petra Desert Marathon representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and direct you to the driver who will take you to the hotel at the Dead Sea.

Please provide your full flight details to us no later than four weeks before arrival. Kindly note that a short waiting time may occur at the airport. 

Many flights arrive at night time, so keep in mind that if you arrive early on 5 September you may be in need of a pre-night, as the normal check-in time is at 15:00. A pre-night can be booked directly at the time of booking or at a later stage by emailing us. If you book a pre-night, your transfer to the Dead Sea is still included.

Standard Package:

Participants will have to arrange their own transfer from the airport to Amman. A Petra Desert Marathon representative will be welcoming all runners in the arrivals hall and assist with finding the taxi stand. Taxi fares to Amman are fixed (expect around JOD 25 for a one-way ride).

Questions about Jordan?

To check out your hotel options, see our Accommodation page. 

For information on language, currency, electricity, and more, please check our Destination Guide page. 

For information on weather, please check the our Climate & Weather page. 

If you're curious about the destinations that we'll be visiting or other background information on Jordan, you can read all about it on our Travel Destination page. 

Book this package

You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.