Petra Desert Marathon
Petra, Jordan · Saturday 6 March 2027
The Petra Desert Marathon, held annually in Jordan, is a unique event that combines athleticism with historical significance. Starting at the Street of Facades in the ancient city of Petra, the course takes runners through the stunning desert landscapes surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage site. The marathon features a challenging route with steep ascents and descents, offering breathtaking views of the lunar-like mountain landscape.\n\nThe event includes both a full marathon and an ultra half
Difficulty Calculator
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Adjusted Time
4:53:01
Time difference: +53.0 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain1074m
Elevation High1425m
Elevation Low873m
Weather Forecast
High29°C
Low20°C
Chance of Rain0%
Petra Desert Marathon 2027 Course Analysis
Petra Desert Marathon is a full marathon held in Petra, Jordan, scheduled for Saturday 6 March 2027. The course is run on road surface with 1074m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 1425m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Petra Desert Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a very challenging course with 1074m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average road marathon. The route ranges from 873m to 1425m above sea level (552m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.
Expected Race Day Weather
Based on historical weather data for March, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 20°C and 29°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Surface Type: Road
Petra Desert Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
How Difficult Is Petra Desert Marathon?
Our difficulty rating for Petra Desert Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Petra Desert Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.