Jordan International Marathon 2026

The Jordan International Marathon is Amman’s flagship road running event, held each November and drawing several thousand participants from Jordan and abroad. The race offers four distance categories — full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10K, and a shorter fun run — which makes it accessible to a wide range of runners from serious competitors to first-timers.

The course

The course runs through Amman’s streets, taking in areas of west and central Amman. The city’s famously hilly topography means the route is not flat: expect genuine elevation changes throughout, which makes it a more technically demanding road marathon than courses in coastal cities. The course is closed to traffic and fully marshalled. Past editions have started and finished near Amman’s Sports City complex. Specific 2026 course details will be confirmed via official registration channels.

The full marathon typically has a cut-off time of around 6 hours, with intermediate checkpoint times. The 10K is a popular entry point for runners who want the race atmosphere without the commitment of a longer distance.

Registration

Registration usually opens in August or September through the Jordan Road Runners official website and affiliated sports organisations. Entry fees have historically been in the range of JOD 20—35 for the half marathon and JOD 30—50 for the full, with the 10K available at a lower rate. International runners should book accommodation early — November is an active month in Amman and popular hotels fill up. The Amman city guide has an overview of neighbourhoods and where to stay.

Race day logistics

The race starts early, typically at 6:30 or 7:00 am, before the November sun becomes a significant factor. Amman in early November averages around 17—20 degrees Celsius during the day, making conditions generally good for distance running. Participants should carry their own nutrition for longer distances as aid station provision varies by edition; check the official race guide when published.

Post-race, the finish area usually has water, fruit, and medals, with photography and a small expo. Amman has a good range of restaurants for post-race meals — the Abdali Boulevard area is a short taxi ride from the Sports City area and has options ranging from traditional Jordanian food to international cuisine. For those building a trip around the race, our Jordan itinerary guide has suggestions for combining Amman with Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea in the days before or after the marathon.

If you are spending pre- or post-race days exploring Amman, browse guided tours of the city through GetYourGuide to make the most of the capital’s history, street food, and Roman-era monuments.

Training for Amman’s hills

The elevation profile of the Amman course is worth preparing for specifically if you are arriving from a flat-course background. Amman sits at roughly 900 metres above sea level, which adds a mild altitude adjustment for runners from sea-level cities - not extreme, but noticeable in the first day or two. The cumulative ascent across the full marathon route is typically 400–600 metres, enough to add 10–15 minutes to an expected flat-course time if you have not incorporated hillwork into training. Including regular hill sessions in the 8 weeks before race day and factoring in two acclimatisation days in Amman before the race are both worthwhile. Arriving Thursday for a Friday or Saturday race gives your body adequate time to adjust without the effects of fresh travel fatigue on the starting line.

Race-day weather in early November is generally good for distance running - cool mornings with temperatures at start time around 12–15°C, rising to the high teens by the time slower runners finish. The risk of heat is lower than in most Middle Eastern race settings, which is one reason the race has attracted a growing international field. Hydration is still important; carry your own gel and electrolytes for longer distances if you have a specific nutrition strategy, as aid station provision can vary.

The Amman running community

The Jordan International Marathon operates alongside a growing local running culture. Jordan Road Runners, the non-profit behind the event, runs weekly group training sessions in Amman year-round and is open to visiting runners. If you are in the city in the weeks before November and want to run the actual course terrain, joining a weekend session is practical - participants are generally welcoming to visitors and local knowledge of the specific hills and technical sections is useful preparation.

The race expo, held at the venue on the day before, brings together local sports brands and a small number of international nutrition sponsors. It is a reliable place to pick up race-day gels and electrolytes if you did not pack your own, and to collect your bib number.

Post-race, allowing a rest day in Amman before onward travel is practical. The city’s hammam and Turkish bath facilities offer useful muscle recovery, and the more active sightseeing - Jerash, Madaba, the Dead Sea - is better left for days two or three once legs have recovered. Browse hotels in Amman to find accommodation near the race venue area.