Petra: Runners from Jordan and around the world will take to the trails of Petra Saturday for the 2026 Petra Desert Marathon, tackling a demanding course that winds through the ancient city before stretching into its rugged desert surroundings.
According to Jordan News Agency, the event offers two distances: a 42.195-kilometer full marathon and a 25-kilometer race, both starting at 6:30 a.m. Participants will gather at the Petra Visitor Center before heading into the archaeological site for the start of the race.
From there, the route leads runners through the Siq and past the Treasury, one of Petra's most recognizable landmarks, before leaving the ancient city for the open desert. The course shifts between sand, gravel, and paved surfaces, with steep climbs and descents adding to the challenge as runners make their way through Petra's mountainous terrain.
The setting gives the race a distinctive character, combining the endurance demands of long-distance running with a course framed by archaeological monuments, rocky mountains, and the desert landscape surrounding the ancient city. The marathon is part of Petra's growing calendar of sporting events and supports efforts to promote the city as a sports tourism destination, while introducing runners from Jordan and abroad to its archaeological and natural attractions.