Petra Desert Marathon

Petra Desert Marathon

1st September 2018

Duration: 4 nights / 5 days Distance: Marathon or Half Marathon

Petra, ancient capital of Nabataea, UNESCO world heritage site and the location of one of the most challenging desert marathons, winding through the red sandstone landscape of Jordan.

Petras’ rock carved facades and extensive tunnels have fascinated legions of explorers and archaeologists and with Sports Tours International you can combine exploration of this extraordinary city with a challenging marathon experience.

Bookings are closed for 2018. Please sign upto our 2019 waitlist.

DETAILS
Race Details

The Petra Desert Marathon starts from the street of facades in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. The marathon route passes through the mountains around Petra, taking in the mountain monasteries and monuments carved into the rock.

After leaving the Petra historic site area, half marathon runners will move directly to a dried river bed while those taking on the longer distance will loop around the desert hills before finishing just before the Petra visitor centre.

The Petra Desert marathon consists of a full marathon and a half marathon. The event is part of a 4 night / 5-day tour package which includes social events, tours, hotel accommodation, entry pass for Petra and a dip in the Dead Sea. If you wish, we can offer extension packages.

Petra Desert Marathon: Event Highlights
- English speaking tour leader and guide to help you get the most out of your tour
- A day of sightseeing in Petra
- Accomodation at the Dead Sea resort and Petra
- A starlit celebration dinner and awards ceremony
- The option to book extra activities such as Petra by Night and Petra Kitchen
- Cultural or Adventure extension packages available – please see below for further information
Note: Bookings are on a request basis and can take 24 working hours to confirm. Once your booking is confirmed, you are then free to book your flights.

Read More
Extension packages are on a request basis. To check availability/add to your main booking please EMAIL us.

Cultural Extension 3 night/4 day – 3rd to 6th September £459 per person based on double/twin and £579 per person based on single.

Day 1 – Shoubak, Madaba, Mt Nebo and Amman

Start the day with a visit to the old fortress of Shoubak, a castle from the Mamluk period with original Crusader features. From there you will continue to the historic city of Madaba, famous for the ancient “Mosaic of Jerusalem” – one of the oldest pictured testimonies of the Holy City. You will continue to Mount Nebo, the mountain where Moses saw the Holy Land before finding his final resting place on the mountain. Breakfast included.

Day 2 – As-Salt, Baptism Site and Amman

Today you will head to the small town of As-Salt. Being a living museum, As-Salt features old lanes and dazzling houses from the late Ottoman period and a walking tour through this inviting community showcases some of Jordan’s most charming buildings and bazaars. From As-Salt you continue down the Jordan Valley to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, or better known as the Baptism Site. The place has been identified as the site where John the Baptist preached and where Jesus was baptised by John. You end the day in Amman with a dinner at a local restaurant.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 3 – Jerash and Amman city tour

After breakfast you head north through the Jordan Valley to the ruin city of Jerash. These well preserved ruins were once the ground pillars of a Roman Decapolis city build approximately 330BC. In its peak the city flourished from trade with the Nabateans from Petra and was one of the most important cities in the Roman province. In 747AD Jerash was hit by an earthquake and slowly the city was abandoned. As the years went by sand covered the columns and buildings, which is why everything was so well preserved when a Russian expedition excavated the city in 1878.  After your visit in Jerash you head back to Amman and do a sightseeing tour of the capitals most prominent sites and buildings.  Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4 – Departure

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 3 September as follows: 05:00, 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.  It is possible to book a different transfer to the airport if the above scheduled group transfers don’t fit your onward journey (extra charge).  Breakfast included today.

Includes:
- 3 nights at the Grand Palace Amman
- Transportation as per the itineary
- Local Guide
- Entrance fee to Shoubak, Madaba, Mt Nebo, As-Salt, Baptism Site and Jerash
- Meals as per the itinerary
Adventure 3 night/4 day – 3rd to 6th September £459 per person based on double/twin and £584 per person based on single.

Day 1 – Wadi Rum

After breakfast you 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 reached world fame in the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”. From the Wadi Rum Visitors Centre you change from bus to jeeps and go on a tour in the desert past sand dunes and incredible rock formation. The tour ends in the middle of the desert where we set up our tented camp for the night. Like real Bedouins we will cook dinner over an open fire with the gazing stars and Moon illuminating our outdoor hotel.

NB: Before booking this adventure kindly beware of the fact that toilets and running water will not be available at the camp! All meals included this day.

Day 2 – Dana Valley

You will enjoy breakfast Bedouin style before the jeeps bring you back to the Visitors Centre from where the bus will take you to the village of Tafilah. From here you set out for an 8km hike through the Dana Valley – one of Jordans premier nature reserves. The trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana and offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like valley while passing through village terraced gardens. After an estimated 4 hours we reach Rummana Camp where we find our tent for the night.  All meals included this day.

Day 3 – Wadi Mujib and Amman

From Rummana Camp you head north along the Wadi Araba highway. Just before the Dead Sea you reach 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.  You will see the Wadi Mujib from inside on our 4 hours hike and swim through the river and nature reserve.  Back out we head to Amman where we check in at our hotel.  Breakfast and lunch included this day.

Day 4 – Departure

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 3 September as follows: 05:00, 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.  It is possible to book a different transfer to the airport if the above scheduled group transfers don’t fit your onward journey (extra charge).  Breakfast included today.

Includes:
- 1 night tented camp in Wadi Rum, 1 nights tented camp in Dana Valley, 1 night Grand Palace Amman
- Transportation as per the itineary
- Local Guide
- Entrance fee to Wadi Rum and Wadi Mujib
- Meals as per the itinerary
TESTIMONIALS

"Certainly recommend to anyone"

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would certainly recommend to anyone thinking about it. The whole package is meticulously organised and attracts a small but eclectic field of enthusiast from over 30 countries. The course is demanding with some challenging road hills and sandy trails. There are water stations every 4K and the start through the ancient wonder if Petra is unforgettable.

Steve - September 6, 2016
ITINERARY
4 nights

Day 1 – 30th August – Arrive into Amman Queen Alia International Airport (by your own means – we can quote flight prices if you wish). On arrival you will be met by a representative who will escort you through the visa process. Once you have obtained your visa and collected your luggage, you will be taken to the Dead Sea Hotel for check in. The remainder of your day is free to explore the local are along the coast of the Dead sea. No meals are included today.

Day 2 – 31st August – Today you have breakfast and a free morning to swim in the Dead Sea or by the hotel swimming pool. Early afternoon you will check out and head by bus to Wadi Mousa (Petra) where you will then check into your hotel not far from the entrance to Petra. This evening you will have a pasta party, number pick up and race briefing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included today.

Day 3 – 1st September – Petra Half and Full Marathon – With an early breakfast arranged at the hotel you will then meet your fellow runners at the Petra Visitor Centre opposite the hotel. At 5.30am you will walk through Siq to the start line in the Streets of Facades. The race starts at 6.30am. A packed lunch is available at the finish area. The reminder of your day is free to rest. A light continental breakfast and packed lunch is included today. Alternatively you have two optional extra’s to choose from (select as optional extra at time of booking). Option 1 – Petra by Night is a unique way to visit the most famous of Petra’s landmarks, including Bedouin music and local stories. Option 2 – Petra Kitchen teaching you to cook local dishes.

Day 4 – 2nd September – Today is the day to explore Petra if your feet allow! After breakfast you will start at the Petra Visitor Centre and start a guided walk. Including the Siq with walls rising 200 meters in height, narrow gorges and elaborate temples. On your return from the tour, you can buy lunch locally and have the opportunity to visit a spa or Turkish bath (payable locally). During the evening you will travel into the desert for a celebration dinner under the stars! Breakfast and celebration dinner are included today.

Day 5- 3rd September – After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel by 12pm before transfer back to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Transfers are included at 05.00am, 08.00am or 13.00pm, 18.00pm. If you return flight is outside of these collection times, a private transfer at a supplement can be paid. Alternatively you can extend your stay.

Package Includes:
- 4 nights accommodation in a choice of hotels with various meals included as per the above itinerary
- Arrival and departure airport transfers from Amman
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- Visa on arrival in Jordan
- English speaking tour leader
- 3 day entry to Petra
- Meals as detailed in the itinerary
- Celebration dinner under the stars
Included within the entry fee:
- Entry to the marathon or half marathon
- English speaking race officials
- Medical team
- Time taking and results service
- Supplies en the route
- Running t-shirt
- Medal
Not Included:
- International flights to Jordan
- Meals that are not mentioned on the itinerary
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for local guides or drivers (Euro 3 – 5 per person day is recommended)
- Travel Insurance – please see important information
For prices, please click on the hotel options tab.

Note: Bookings are on a request basis and can take 24 working hours to confirm. Once your booking is confirmed, you are then free to book your flights.
HOTELS & PRICING

Petra Desert Marathon Hotel Options

An option of standard or deluxe hotels in the Dead Sea and Petra for the Petra Desert Marathon....

Note: Bookings are on a request basis and can take 24 working hours to confirm. Once your booking is confirmed, you are then free to book your flights.

Petra Desert Marathon Hotels

Petra Desert Marathon Hotel Options

For the Petra Desert Marathon, we offer two hotel standards. Standard or Deluxe.

Standard Hotel Option – 1 night Grand East Hotel and 3 nights Candles Hotel or Edom Hotel (if Candles is full)

Grand East Hotel – The Grand East hotel is a gateway directly to the sun-blessed beach of the Dead Sea. Located in the heart of Dead Sea, almost (50 minutes ) drive away from the capital Amman, and (60 minutes ) from Queen Alia International Airport. The hotel is ideal for families, couples and groups. The hotel features spacious bedrooms, diverse restaurants, recreation facilities, spa center, entertainment, swimming pool and water activities.

Candles Hotel – The Candles Hotel is ideally located in Wadi Musa, a beautifully restored historic city, with the atmosphere of freedom, clearness and calmness. The hotel is situated 300 meters from the main entrance of the ancient Lost City of Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the world.

Edom Hotel – The Edom Hotel is classed as one of the best hotels in Petra, located near the entrance to the historical site of Petra, just 200, away. The hotel has 135 air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms also include a mini bar, satellite TV, telephones, laundry and room service.

Deluxe Hotel Option – 1 night Holiday Inn Dead Sea and 3 nights Movenpick Resort

Holiday Inn Dead Sea – The Holiday Inn Dead Sea is a buzzing Dead Sea spa hotel and resort for a family-friendly stay in Jordan. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. There is a private beach attached to the hotel. The hotel offers complimentary WIFI, has an infinity pool, Dive Inn Bat, Jacuzzi Island and Spa. There are a number of restaurants or you can dine in with room service.

Movenpick Hotel – The Movenpick Resort Petra is located directly at the entrance to the ancient city of Petra. The hotel’s rooftop garden terrace offers views of the hills. Located opposite the Petra Visitor Centre. Rooms at The Movenpick Resort Petra have a private outdoor balcony. They feature white linens and bright windows. Each has a work desk and is equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. The Al Saraya all-day-dining restaurant and Mediterranean Al Iwan restaurant offer a large selection of dishes. The Al Maqa’ad Bar features carved wooden screens, while the Al Ghadeer roof Garden boasts views over Petra’s hills.

Hotel Price

Standard Hotel Option – 1 night Dead Sea/3 nights Petra (meals as detailed in the itinerary)

4 night/5 day package

Double/Twin Room £725.00 per person

Single Room £835.00 per person

Deluxe Hotel Option – 1 night Dead Sea/3 nights Petra(meals as detailed in the itinerary)

4 night/5 day package

Double/Twin Room £915.00 per person

Single Room£1185.00 per person

Entry Fee

Marathon or Half Marathon £190.00 per entry

Extra’s

Private non scheduled transfer £60.00 per person

Petra by Night £27.00 per person

Petra Kitchen £35.00 per person
IMPORTANT INFO

How to book

Please call +44 161 703 8161 to check availability and to book your package. A 30% non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking plus entry fee. A copy of your passport will be required in order for visa purposes. Please email this to running@sportstoursinternational.co.uk.

Important Information

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page:https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports.General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website.www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.

Sports Travel Keeping safe

At Sports Tours International we aim to ensure you have fantastic trip away we also aim to ensure all of our customers are safe when traveling. Please find the time to read our ‘Keeping Safe travel guide’ here.
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