Disclaimer
Please note that all decisions made by the race officials and or medical team are final and not up for discussion.
Albatros Adventure Marathons reserve the right to change the itinerary and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather. This also includes the decision to cut the course short.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons
Clothing
It is recommended that participants run in light-weight, light-coloured clothing.
To prevent heatstroke, consider ways to keep direct sun off your skin - in that sense, a T-shirt offers better protection than a sleeveless shirt, but it is of course an personal choice. In all cases, we strongly recommend the use of sunscreen with high protection and a cap. One might also consider a buff or a bandana to keep sun off the back of your neck (plus, you can get it wet at the water stations to get a cooling effect).
There are no clothing restrictions, so women and men alike can run in shorts, tights, tank tops etc. As Petra is largely tourist destination, locals in the area are more used to seeing shorts than locals in some other parts of the country.
Age limits
Full marathon runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Half marathon runners must be at least 16 years old.
Awards and medal
All finishers receive a medal. A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money.
Bib number
You will receive your start/bib number in the race goodie bag.
All runners will receive one bib number that must be worn during the race. It must be attached to the front of your body and readable - both for safety and for photography purposes! The bib numbers are color-coded according to the distance you are running:
- Full marathon bibs - black
- Half-marathon - red
Goodie Bag
At the race briefing the night before the race, runners will receive their goodie bags. Inside this bag you'll find your start number, race t-shirt, information on the route, and your timing chip/velcro strap.
Certificate
Marathon Photos will take personal photos of all runners. The photos can be purchased after the race from www.marathon-photos.com
Your Finisher's Certificate will be available for free download.
Time Taking & Results
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.
Distances
The Petra Desert Marathon features two distances:
Full marathon - 42.195km/26.2mi
Half marathon - 21.1km/13.1mi
Please note that the marathon route has an out-and-back stretch totalling 18km. At the turn-around point of this stretch (9km out) marathon runners will receive a wristband to prove that they went all the way out. The wristband must be worn for the remainder of the race to the finish line. No wristband = disqualification. The wristband applies to marathon runners only.
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.
Medical Team
A team of Danish doctors and Icelandic paramedics will be present during the race. The medical team is ready in case of injury or severe exhaustion. A doctor will be patrolling the route and a doctor will stand by in the finish area. If the medical team finds it necessary they can stop a runner and take him/her out of the race. Decisions on taking runners out of the race will only be done if the medical team believes there is a serious health risk in continuing.
All decisions made by the medical team are final and not up for discussion.
Runners who wish to drop out of the marathon should go to the nearest drink station. Transport to the finish area will be arranged for all runners who leave the race, but please be aware there will be a waiting time.
If you take daily medicine prescribed by your physician or need any other medication, please inform Destination Sport Experiences in advance.
Personal supplies
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.
Race Officials
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.
Rules and regulations
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.
Time limit
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.
Weather
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!
Route Logistics
Kilometer signs can be found along the entire route. Owing to the conditions, however, they may be placed +/- some meters from the exact point. The kilometer signs are therefore only for orientation and runners shouldn’t calculate speed based on the signs.
Note that there won’t be any toilets along the course, which means that there are toilets everywhere! Toilet paper is available at all drink stations. Please respect the nature and leave no trace behind - you can deposit used toilet paper in the disposal bins at the drink stations.
The route is not closed off to traffic, but traffic police guards all entries to the route to warn drivers and ask them to slow down. Traffic is not heavy on these roads, but do keep an eye out for cars and trucks while running on paved roads.
Surface
The route is run on a mixture of gravel and paved roads. The surface in the desert sections is sand with loose rocks.
A pocket of peace in the middle of an otherwise turbulent region, Jordan offers safe passage to experience the magic of the Levant.
From a lavish town of ruins hidden in the middle of the desert to a giant salt lake where one can float like a leaf, there are adventures galore in this middle eastern gem. Adventurous travelers can explore the desert of Wadi Rum – made famous by Lawrence of Arabia – or discover the living biblical history in the heart of The Holy Land. Add to that delicious cuisine and exceptionally hospitable people, and Jordan is a journey worth taking.
