Dead Sea Ultra Marathon

by © Paul Dodson 2008

Festival Location: Amman, Jordan

Festival Type(s): Endurance Sports Events , Marathons | Ultramarathons | Fun Runs

Fancy running to the lowest point on earth? That's what competitors do every April in Jordan's, Dead Sea Ultra Marathon.

Starting 900 metres above sea level in Jordan's capital Amman, the ultra-marathon course wanders up and downhill for the first dozen or so kilometres before turning downhill for the next 32 and finally evening out for the last few clicks to the 400 metres below sea level finish line on the shores of the Dead Sea.

There are five events on the day. The junior marathon at 4.2 kilometres and the fun run at 10 kilometres. The half marathon is a relative walk in the park of 21 kilometres when compared to the full marathon at 42 clicks and the ultra nudging 50.

Competitors are warned that temperatures in Jordan in April can climb to the mid-thirties and higher (that's celsius my friends) so this event is not for the feint-hearted.

The night before organisers host a pasta dinner/carbo loading party and after run celebrations take place on Amman Tourist Beach. The whole shebang is held to raise money for The Society for Care of Neurological Patients.

Fancy it - well then fill in the application and then it's all downhill. Sorry about that.

Dead Sea Ultra Marathon When, Where and More Info Please

When: Annually in April

Where: The Ultra Marathon begins in Amman the Capital of Jordan and finishes on the shore of the Dead Sea during April each year. Check the event website for exact dates and times.

More Info Please: For event details check out the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon website.