The Early Years
2012Established in 2012, the Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is now 14 years old. From its first edition in Wadi Rum, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in Jordan.
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Course & Elevation
A stunning desert trail marathon through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, featuring iconic sandstone formations, red sand dunes, and ancient Nabataean routes. The course winds through dramatic canyons and across open desert plateau, offering unparalleled views of Jordan's most spectacular landscape. Runners experience the raw beauty of the desert with varying terrain from packed sand to rocky single-track.
Surface: trail Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 26°C
Humidity 35%
Rain Chance 5%
Warm desert climate with cool mornings and hot afternoons. Minimal rainfall and low humidity create ideal running conditions. Clear skies and excellent visibility throughout the race.
Wadi Rum
Race Lore
The Course Record
2022The fastest time ever recorded at the Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is 03:18:45, set by Simon Doyle in 2022. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Wadi Rum.
Running on Empty
The Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon takes place in one of the most extreme environments in endurance sport. The desert landscape strips away everything except the essentials: one foot in front of the other, hydration discipline, and the stubborn refusal to stop. It's not just a race — it's a reckoning.
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Course Record
03:18:45
Simon Doyle (2022)
Registration
Registration Opens November
Registration Closes March
Entry Cost JOD 120-180
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The race course follows ancient Nabataean trade routes that connected the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea over 2,000 years ago.
- ▸ Wadi Rum's otherworldly landscape has served as a filming location for multiple Hollywood productions including 'The Martian' and 'Dune'.
- ▸ Runners ascend and descend more than 1,300 meters of elevation change while navigating between towering sandstone cliffs reaching up to 1,750 meters above sea level.
- ▸ The race includes aid stations staffed by local Bedouin guides who provide cultural insights and ensure runner safety throughout the remote desert terrain.
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