This November 1–8, 2025, Jordan will once again welcome one of the world’s most renowned endurance events — the Marathon des Sables — to the mesmerizing landscapes of Wadi Rum. Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site will serve as the dramatic stage for the fifth Jordanian edition of the race, making Jordan the only Middle Eastern country to host this legendary challenge.
More than 650 runners from across the globe, primarily from Europe, will gather for a week of testing their limits across vast red sand dunes, winding canyons, and towering sandstone mountains. Organized in partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board and Experience Jordan Adventures, the event will not only challenge athletes physically but will also connect them deeply with Jordan’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and spectacular natural heritage.
Wadi Rum: Nature’s Masterpiece
Wadi Rum is not just a desert — it is a living canvas painted by wind and time. Golden sunlight washes over crimson sands, sculpting shadows across cliffs that rise like ancient fortresses. The area is home to millennia-old petroglyphs, hidden springs, and an unbroken silence that inspires awe. Autumn transforms Wadi Rum into a comfortable haven for exploration, with mild days, cool nights, and crisp air perfect for outdoor adventures.
Activities Beyond the Race
Whether you are a runner or a spectator, Wadi Rum offers endless opportunities for adventure:
- Jeep Safaris to explore remote valleys and towering rock bridges like Um Fruth and Burdah.
- Camel Treks for a traditional Bedouin-style journey through the dunes.
- Rock Climbing & Hiking for those seeking vertical thrills among the sandstone cliffs.
- Stargazing in skies untouched by city lights, where the Milky Way arcs in dazzling clarity.
After the marathon, runners and visitors alike can extend their journey to explore Petra, the rose-red Nabatean city, or float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
Camping at Rum Magic Nights Camp
For a truly immersive desert experience, nothing compares to a night under the Wadi Rum sky at Rum Magic Nights Camp. Nestled in a pristine section of the desert, this Bedouin-style camp offers a harmonious blend of tradition and comfort. Guests can sleep in cozy tents or panoramic bubble domes that provide unobstructed views of the stars. Evenings are filled with the aroma of zarb — a Bedouin barbecue slow-cooked in the sand — and the soft rhythm of traditional music by the campfire.
Book the 2-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Tour.
Book the 3-Day Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Tour
Book the 4-Day Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea
Book the 5-Day Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Tour
Book the 6-Day Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Tour
Why Visit Wadi Rum in Autumn
Autumn (October–November) is one of the best times to visit Wadi Rum. The harsh summer heat gives way to pleasant daytime temperatures ideal for running, hiking, and sightseeing. Cool evenings invite long conversations under starlit skies, making it the perfect season for both endurance racing and slow, soulful travel.
More Than a Race
As Minister of Tourism Lina Annab emphasized, events like the Marathon des Sables are more than sporting spectacles — they are cultural bridges. Wadi Rum’s landscapes challenge the body while soothing the spirit, offering a rare combination of physical endurance and deep connection to nature. Cyril Gauthier, CEO of Marathon des Sables, calls the Jordanian edition the “jewel” of their global series — and it’s easy to see why.
This November, Wadi Rum will be more than a backdrop; it will be the heartbeat of a global celebration of endurance, community, and discovery. Whether you come to race, cheer, or simply explore, the Valley of the Moon will leave you with memories as enduring as the desert itself.