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Jordan Ultra is a 50km ultra marathon in Dana, Jordan. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 2,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 40/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: sand. Established 2017.

50km moderate desert sand scenic point-to-point

Jordan Ultra

Dana, Tafila, Jordan

"50km from ancient sandstone mountains to the Red Sea through Jordan's largest nature reserve."

40
Moderate
Distance 50km
Elevation Gain ↑2,200m
Surface sand
DNF Rate 10%
Cutoff 12h
What Makes It Unique

A desert ultra through Jordan's Dana Nature Reserve — ancient sandstone wadis, Bedouin trails, and Mars-like landscapes.

The Course

Through the Dana Nature Reserve and Wadi Araba to the Red Sea. The course descends from the ancient sandstone mountains of Dana through wadis (dry riverbeds), Bedouin trails, and desert terrain. Running through landscapes that look like Mars.

Profile

hilly

Topology

point-to-point

Aid Stations

4

Highest Point

1,500m

No Crew Access
No Pacers
Yes Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 4/5
Organization 4/5
Community 4/5
Aid Stations

UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.

Post-Race Culture

Professional UTMB-style finish with crowds, announcements, and a festival atmosphere in the finish area.

Beginner Friendly

Race Day Weather

Temperature

22°C

12° – 32°

Humidity

25%

Rain Chance

5%

Conditions

Jordanian spring. Hot and dry. Intense sun. Cool mornings and evenings. Very little shade.

Stats & Records

Established

2017

Finishers

200

Avg Finish

7:30:00

Course Record (M)

3:45:33

Salameh Al Aqra (2023)

Course Record (W)

4:38:22

Ragna Debats (2022)

Entry

Entry Cost

€120

Opens

August

Sells Out

months

Max Starters: 250
Official Website →
External Links

Lore & Trivia

The Jordan Ultra runs through the deserts and wadis of the Hashemite Kingdom — a landscape of Nabataean ruins, Bedouin camps, and the red sandstone canyons made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. The course may pass near Petra, through Wadi Rum, or across the Dana Nature Reserve, depending on the edition. Jordanian hospitality is legendary: Bedouin tea at checkpoints, mansaf (the national dish) at camp, and a warmth toward visitors that reflects the Kingdom's long tradition of welcoming travellers.

  • Dana Nature Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve and a biodiversity hotspot between Mediterranean and Saharan ecosystems.
  • The wadi terrain looks like Mars — red sandstone cliffs and barren desert.
  • Bedouin hospitality stations along the route offer traditional Jordanian tea.
  • The race is part of the UTMB World Series, bringing international attention to Jordan's trail running potential.
  • Established in 2017.

Jordan's desert has been crossed by Nabataeans, Romans, and Lawrence of Arabia. Now it's crossed by runners. The desert doesn't care which.

— A Jordan Ultra runner

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Jordan Ultra? +

Jordan Ultra is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 2,200m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.

How hard is Jordan Ultra? +

Jordan Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 40/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.

What is the weather like at Jordan Ultra? +

Average temperature is 22°C (range 12°C to 32°C) with 25% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Jordanian spring. Hot and dry. Intense sun. Cool mornings and evenings. Very little shade.

Are crew and pacers allowed at Jordan Ultra? +

No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.

What is the course record for Jordan Ultra? +

The men's course record is 3:45:33 set by Salameh Al Aqra in 2023. The women's course record is 4:38:22 set by Ragna Debats in 2022.

What is the average finish time for Jordan Ultra? +

The average finish time is 7:30:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.

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