Dead Sea Ultra Marathon 2027

The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon is a point-to-point road race that begins in Amman and finishes on the shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at approximately 430 metres below sea level. The route descends around 1,200 metres in total elevation, which makes it unusual among ultra marathons: rather than the sustained climbing typical of mountain ultras, this race asks runners to manage a sustained descent on asphalt roads across a full ultra distance.

The route

The race typically covers between 50 and 80 kilometres depending on the edition, starting from a central point in Amman and following the King’s Highway or a dedicated road corridor down through the Rift Valley escarpment toward the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex and the shore itself. The scenery changes dramatically over the course — urban Amman gives way to rocky agricultural hillsides, then to the barren, mineral-white landscape of the valley floor. Runners cross some of the most striking road descents in the Middle East.

A shorter road marathon (42.195 km) is typically offered alongside the ultra distance, both finishing at the Dead Sea. Relay team options have also been available in some editions, allowing teams of two to four runners to cover the full distance between them.

Registration and logistics

Registration usually opens in the autumn preceding the April race. Entry fees and registration details are managed through the Jordan Road Runners association; check their official channels and the race’s dedicated website closer to the 2027 event for confirmed entry prices and cut-off times. International runners are welcome and the race has drawn participants from Europe, North America, and across the Arab world.

The race is fully supported with water and nutrition stations, medical crews, and sweep vehicles. Participants are bused to the start from a central Amman collection point on race morning, and transport back from the Dead Sea finish line is arranged by organisers.

Tips for runners

Training for elevation loss is as important as building mileage — the sustained descent can be harder on the quads and knees than climbing. April in Jordan is generally dry and mild, with temperatures at the Dead Sea shore reaching 28—32 degrees Celsius by midday. Early start times (typically 5:00—6:00 am) help runners complete most of the distance before the full heat of the day.

For those visiting Jordan around the race, the Dead Sea is well worth spending an extra day or two at for recovery — floating in the hypersaline water is a genuine aid to post-race muscle soreness. Our Jordan itinerary guide can help you plan the wider trip around the race date.