Wadi Rum Marathon

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Sports & AdventureWadi Rum
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceRunning an entire marathon distance at
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: JOD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Wadi Rum Marathon in Wadi Rum

Since 2009, the Wadi Rum Full Moon Desert Marathon has run each May beneath the light of the full moon, with a recent 17th edition drawing 495 runners from 46 countries across 5km, 10km, half marathon and full marathon distances. Runners navigate rock formations, sand dunes and cliffs at night, in a race recognized by Lonely Planet and US Men's Journal for its distinctive setting.

The Wadi Rum Full Moon Desert Marathon has run since its inception in 2009, growing from a small regional endurance event into a globally recognized race that draws hundreds of international runners, with a recent 17th edition attracting 495 runners from 46 countries.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Running an entire marathon distance at night, under full moonlight through Wadi Rum's towering rock formations and sand dunes, gives this race a genuinely unusual sensory experience unmatched by nearly any conventional daytime road marathon

02

The mystery stays covered

Its deliberate lunar-cycle timing each May ties the event's scheduling directly to natural phenomena rather than an arbitrary calendar date, and its broad range of distances, from a 5-kilometer fun run to the full 42

03

The city starts moving

kilometer marathon, makes it accessible to a far wider range of runners than the region's other, more demanding multi-day ultra events

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race connects modern endurance running to Wadi Rum's Bedouin desert heritage

Water and renewal

Living ritual

with local communities providing guiding

The sacred route

Living ritual

hospitality and support around the event

The local code

Living ritual

framed explicitly by organizers as a vehicle for sustainable tourism benefiting the region's traditional inhabitants

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

For Wadi Rum Marathon, plan transport around the exact Wadi Rum venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Layered running gear is important given cool nighttime desert temperatures despite May's warm days; a headlamp is essential for navigating terrain even under full moonlight, and trail shoes...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Wadi Rum Marathon, stay near the part of Wadi Rum you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

JOD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map29.51 N, 35.34 EOpen in Google Maps

Wadi Rum, Aqaba/Ma'an, Jordan

Nearest airportAQJ — King Hussein
TransportFor Wadi Rum Marathon, plan transport around the exact Wadi Rum venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Wadi Rum Marathon, stay near the part of Wadi Rum you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Wadi Rum via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Wadi Rum, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running gear is important given cool nighttime desert temperatures despite May's warm days; a headlamp is essential for navigating terrain even under full moonlight, and trail shoes suited to sand and rocky surfaces are recommended.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Jordan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Wadi Rum Marathon?

Wadi Rum Marathon is listed for Past edition: 1–8 November 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Wadi Rum Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Wadi Rum, Aqaba/Ma'an, Jordan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLgetyourtourinwadirum.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusOfficial source linked
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