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Marathon FAQ

Weather

  • The temperatures in Wadi Rum in May range from lows of 15 Celsius to highs of 29 Celsius (59 – 84.2 Fahrenheit).
  • Deserts tend to get chilly at night, so pack an extra layer that you wouldn’t mind running in, in case it gets cold.
  • Make sure to use sunscreen for protection during the day, before the race begin.

 

Currency

  • The currency in Jordan is Jordanian Dinar (JOD). We recommend bringing US dollars or Euros to exchange upon arrival in Jordan. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Although there are no ATMs in the desert so make sure you bring in extra cash in case you need it.
  • If you haven’t already paid registration fees and wish to do so at camp upon arrival, we accept both JOD and USD, as well as credit cards.

 

Internet and Phones

  • The international country code to call Jordan is +962. You can purchase a temporary sim card from the airport or most cell phone stores around Jordan.
  • Mobile coverage is available at camp, and mobile phones should have 4G internet signal.

 

Electricity

  • Jordan uses a mix of the round 2-pin and rectangular 3-pin 220-volt electricity plugs. You might find other types installed in certain locations, so it is always recommended to bring an adapter.
  • Some tents are equipped with electrical outlets. If you’re unable to charge your phone or devices in your own tent, the dining tent will be equipped with many outlets. lf you need help, just let a staff member know and we’ll hook you up.

 

Facilities and services

  • All race categories will begin and end at the Hasan Zawaideh Camp in Wadi Rum (Camp location)
  • The camp has shared bathrooms, showers, and hot water. - Clean sheets, blankets, and pillows will be provided for those who booked a tent at camp.
  • If you haven’t signed up for the full package, you can purchase food and drinks directly from camp.

 

What type of clothing is acceptable to wear in Jordan?

  • Jordan is relaxed towards people’s attire. Tourist destinations are used to visitors dressed in summer clothes. Uncovered bikini tops can only be worn at a beach or poolside.
  • During the marathon, you can dress like you would at a normal race. Consider wearing light-weight clothes.

 

Dietary information

  • Jordanian cuisine offers a wide variety of Arabic dishes. At camp, an open buffet will be available with a wide selection to choose from.
  • It is unadvisable to drink water directly from faucets. Bottled water will be provided at camp, as well as every checkpoint along the marathon route.
  • We’ll do our best to accommodate any diet for medical, allergy, or religious needs. However, we cannot guarantee that the camp can fulfill all special requests. We encourage participants to take necessary precautions during their travel. Please let someone from staff be aware of any dietary requirements.
  • Food schedule
    • 13th of May 
      • Lunch at camp is served from: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
      • Dinner at camp will be served over 3 rounds: 1st dinner will be served from: 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm, 2nd dinner for those who finished the 42 km will be served from:12:30 am – 1:30 am, 3rd dinner will be served from: 2:30 am - 3:30 am for all volunteers and cut-off time runners.
    • 14th of May
      • Breakfast at camp will be served from 7:00 am-9:00 am

 

Race Information


Where is the race?

All races will begin and end at Hasan Zawaideh Camp in Wadi Rum.

 

What time do buses leave Amman towards Wadi Rum? When do they return the next day?

  • Buses will park near Safeway 7 th Circle, and depart Amman at 9:00 am sharp on the 13 th of May. (location)
  • Buses will depart Wadi Rum on the 14 th of May after breakfast at 12 noon sharp. - Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.
  • You don’t want to miss the bus!

 

When do I get my Wadi Rum Full Moon Desert Marathon bib number?

  • Upon arrival at camp, all participants are required to check-in at the registration desk to receive tent assignments, food/drink vouchers, as well as bib numbers.
  • All runners must wear the official bib number. Full marathon bibs are dark red, half marathon bibs are dark blue, and the 10k run bib is green. The bib number must be attached to the front of the torso and be visible during the entire race.

 

What’s in the goody bag?

  • All participants who registered for the 42km, 21km, or 10km events will receive a goody bag upon check-in at camp.
  • Goody bags will contain a race bib, emergency light, whistle, and tent assignment. For those who signed up for any add-ons or the full package, your goody bags will also contain food/drink vouchers, an assortment of snacks, and another surprise or two!

 

What clothing should I wear?

  • With temperatures dropping as low as 15 Celsius at night, the race can get a bit chilly. Make sure to pack an extra layer of clothing for the run.
  • It is recommended that participants run in light-weight clothing, and wear light-colored clothing during the day to avoid overheating. We highly recommend the use of a cap/bandana and sunscreen with a high protection factor during the day. The bandana can also be used to protect you from sand and dust while running.
  • There are no clothing restrictions, so women and men alike can run in shorts, tights, tank tops…etc.

 

Personal belongings

  • Personal belongings can be dropped off at your assigned tent. If you’re only coming for the race and have not booked accommodation, you can drop off your bags at the registration desk during check-in. Please clearly mark all belongings with your name and bib number.
  • The Wadi Rum Full Moon Desert Marathon organizers cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items or valuables.
  • You can leave valuable belongings such as phones or wallets at the registration desk, where we will store them securely in one of our tents. Again, please clearly mark all belongings with name and bib number.

 

Awards

  • All race finishers (except for the 5k fun walk) will receive a medal.
  • A small symbolic prize will be given to the first 3 male and female runners that cross the finish line.
  • Please note that there is no prize money.

 

Race officials

  • English-speaking race officials from Treks will be overseeing the event. All decisions made by race officials are final. This also includes stopping a runner before or during the race.
  • Race officials will be present at the start/finish line, as well as all checkpoints along the route. Furthermore, we will have several cars patrolling the route on the most crucial places of the course.

 

Medical information

  • It is advisable to purchase medical insurance that covers your participation in the event and travel to Jordan. If you fall ill, our guides and office will assist in evacuating you to a suitable hospital.
  • A medical team is available prior to, during, and immediately after the marathon. Furthermore, a team will be patrolling the routes.
  • If any treatment is unable to be carried out by an on-site medical team and it is necessary to refer a participant to local medical facilities, the medical team will not be held liable for any treatment carried out by staff from local medical facilities. The doctor/medical team reserves the right to take a participant out of the race if it is deemed necessary.

 

When will we be briefed on course rules and safety instructions?

  • Safety breifing session will be held at 6:00 pm, please make sure to attend the session.

 

Can I change my running distance prior to the start of the race?

  • During check-in, participants can change their running distance. The registration counter will be open from 1:00 pm am until 5:00 pm. We will not accept any new registrations or changes to running distances past 5:00 pm.

 

How will I find my way in the desert?

  • Metal poles with light sticks fastened to them will be placed at 100 meter intervals. Just follow the light!

 

What should I do if I get lost, injured, or become too tired to continue?

  • Don’t panic! Stop running and look around for the trail of lights, or another runner.
  • All participants will be provided with a small, red blinking light that can be activated if you need assistance. We’re also providing all participants with whistles that can be used to draw attention.
  • If you’re injured or too tired to continue, go back to the previous checkpoint or walk over to the next one. You can also alert another runner to inform the next checkpoint of your situation.
  • We’ll have patrol cars driving around the course throughout the entirety of the event. So just sit tight until help arrives!

 

Route Logistics

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Route Description

  • The race course track is a mixture of soft sand and hard surfaces.
  • Glow sticks will be fastened to metal stakes and placed at 100 meter intervals. Just follow the lights and you won’t get lost!
  • Distance signs (in Kilometer) can be found at every checkpoint along the route. The signs are there only for orientation, and runners shouldn’t calculate speed based on the signs.
  • Note that there won’t be any toilets along the course, which means that there are toilets everywhere! Toilet paper will be available at all checkpoints along the route.
  • Although the event is held in the desert, do keep an eye out for cars and trucks while running. Wadi Rum is inhabited by many Bedouin tribes who might be driving around the camp or course.
  • Patrol and checkpoint vehicles will all have a sign on the front and rear windows indicating that they are in fact part of our event. If you need assistance, make sure to locate such a car. Do not accept assistance from an unmarked car!

 

Supplies on the Route

  • There will be a checkpoint every 4-5 km along the route. All checkpoints provide bottled water and toilet paper. Some stations along the 21km and 42km route might offer energy drinks and bananas/dates.
  • Are you running the 42k or 21k, and want to drop off personal supplies at checkpoints? Speak to an official at the registration desk during check-in. Personal supplies can be food, drinks, or other necessities. Remember to clearly mark personal supplies with your name and bib number, as well the checkpoint numbers you’d like your supplies to be deposited at.

 

Race Timing, Time Limits, & Results

  • When does the race start?
    • 42km race begins at 7:30 pm
    • 21km race begins at 7:30 pm
    • 10km race begins at 8:30 pm
    • 5km guided walk begins at 8:45 pm
    • Safety briefing session will be held at 6:00 pm. Those that missed last year’s briefing are still wandering the desert today!
  • What is the cut off time?
    • Cut off time is 2:00 am. The 42km marathon time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes. Runners still on the route after the time is up will be picked by a race official or patrol car and driven back to camp.

 

  • Where can I see my results?
    • Runners participating in the 42km and 21km races will be given a small AMB microchip that automatically begins counting at the start of the race, and stops when you cross the final finish line. The chip must be attached around the ankle with the Velcro strap. The chip must be handed back to timing staff at the finish line.
    • There will be a large digital clock near the finish line.
    • The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first
    • three to physically cross the finish line regardless of their net time.

Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have.

Mobile +962 7 9940 9680

marathon@treks.jo