Petra: The 17th Petra Desert Marathon 2026 commenced on Saturday with the participation of approximately 270 runners from numerous countries. The event unfolded in a unique sporting and touristic atmosphere, highlighting Petra's suitability for hosting international sporting activities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the marathon featured two main routes: a full marathon of 42 kilometers and a half marathon of 25 kilometers, offering an athletic challenge amid the distinctive desert landscape. In the full marathon competition, Jordanian runner Salameh Al-Aqra'a claimed first place, while Bashir Abu Rahma, also from Jordan, secured the top spot in the half marathon.
The marathon aims to bolster Petra's status as a global destination for sports and adventure tourism, utilizing sporting events to showcase the area's rich tourist, natural, and archaeological attractions. The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) emphasized the importance of hosting such global sporting events to promote adventure and sports tourism and to present Petra as a capable tourist destination for international events.
The authority lauded the efforts of all organizing and participating entities in ensuring the marathon's success. Their dedication to providing necessary support for participants and ensuring the event's smooth execution underscores Petra's prominent position as a tourist attraction.