Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is a 170km / 4 stages ultra marathon in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Distance: 170km. Elevation: 2,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 47/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 40h. Surface: sand. Established 2015.
Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon
Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Jordan
"170km through Wadi Rum — Lawrence of Arabia's desert."
A 4-stage desert race through Jordan's UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum.
The Course
A multi-stage desert ultra through Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area — the "Valley of the Moon" where Lawrence of Arabia rode and where The Martian was filmed. The route crosses vast sandy plains, threads through narrow slot canyons, and climbs sandstone escarpments with views of the Arabian Desert stretching to Saudi Arabia. The terrain is a mix of packed sand, loose dunes, rocky wadi beds, and technical scrambles over ancient Nabataean trade routes. Navigation is by compass and cairn — there are no trail markers in the open desert stages.
rolling
point-to-point
4
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
18°C
5° – 28°
25%
5%
Jordanian spring desert — warm days, cool nights.
Stats & Records
2015
100
38:00:00
28:15:00
Salameh Al Aqra (2023)
35:40:00
Fernanda Maciel (2022)
Entry
USD 1800
July
months
Lore & Trivia
Wadi Rum is one of the most cinematic landscapes on earth — massive sandstone monoliths rising from red desert floors, Bedouin camps in the shadows of 1,700m cliffs, and silence so profound it hums. The race was created to bring ultra runners into this otherworldly landscape in a format that respects both the desert and Bedouin culture. Camp-to-camp stages are supported by local Bedouin teams who provide water, food, and the black tea that becomes the most anticipated part of every finish. The heat is punishing but the nights — sleeping under more stars than you've ever seen — make the suffering worthwhile.
- ▸ Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- ▸ Lawrence of Arabia called it the most beautiful desert on Earth.
- ▸ Bedouin nomads still live in the desert and support the race.
- ▸ Established in 2015.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 2000m.
Lawrence of Arabia's desert — red sandstone monoliths, Bedouin camps, and the silence of a landscape that hasn't changed in millennia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is a 170km / 4 stages (170km) ultra marathon with 2,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.
How hard is Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 47/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 40 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
Average temperature is 18°C (range 5°C to 28°C) with 25% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Jordanian spring desert — warm days, cool nights.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
The men's course record is 28:15:00 set by Salameh Al Aqra in 2023. The women's course record is 35:40:00 set by Fernanda Maciel in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon? +
The average finish time is 38:00:00. About 100 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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