NEW FOR 2024
JORDAN Ultra CHALLENGE®
Walk, Jog, or Run - 2 Marathons - 1 Amazing Adventure!
- 23- 28 APR 2024
- 6 DAY TRIP
- 2 DAY CHALLENGE
- ~42 KM / DAY IN WADI RUM
- FLIGHTS INCLUDED
- PETRA TOUR
- DEAD SEA VISIT
Push yourself further afield – and take on the Jordan Ultra Challenge! It’s 2 marathon distances over 2 days at your pace in a fantastic setting on an inspirational route through the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum, with vast silent landscapes, ancient sun baked riverbeds, sand dunes, and a Bedouin style basecamp. This 6 day trip is action packed – a testing challenge, magnificent scenery, camping under the stars, camaraderie, full support, a visit to Petra – the ‘8th wonder of the ancient world, and capped with some relaxation in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. An unforgettable Arabian adventure – and an Ultra Challenge like no other!
The Adventure
Jordan is a popular destination – and for a good reason, with a fantastic mix of history, stunning landscapes, and unique sights. Wadi Rum – described by T.E Lawrence (.. ‘of Arabia’ fame) as ‘vast, echoing and god-like’ – provides an imposing desert backdrop for our double marathon distance challenge – with sandstone skyscraper-like towers carved by weather & winds, giving a unique Martian-like landscape. After a tough day on the trails under the sun, relax in our private Bedouin style campsite with showers, dining tents, a bar with cold drinks, evening entertainment, and some great food.
With visits included to the incomparable UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, the ‘Rose City’ – and a day to relax by / in / or on the Dead Sea at a spa hotel – April 2024 is the time to do something really special!
We fly from London to Amman (or Aquba depending on final flight availability & numbers) on Tuesday (a ‘land only’ optional also available) – and have a night & dinner in a good hotel. Early Wednesday we transfer to Petra for a morning tour & lunch – and then head down to our challenge basecamp in the heart of Wadi Rum. It’s 3 unforgettable nights at our Bedouin style camp – with 2 testing marathons in between. After the main ‘challenge’ it’s then a transfer up to the shores of Dead Sea and a welcome spa style hotel and with time to relax and a bit of a celebration!
Home for 3 memorable nights – and we go to some lengths to provide a few ‘home-comforts’ which may surprise you! There’s decent toilets, showers, good tents, a lively dining area, evening entertainment, a well stocked bar, a medical tent, and plenty of fantastic freshly prepared food by our local chefs.
A 42 km (26 mile) marathon distance challenge in the heart of Wadi Rum – at your pace on each of the 2 days. Early starts on the both days with stunning looped routes out & back to our basecamp – with rest stops & lunch en route. On the Friday, at the 84km finish line – a big cheer, a medal, and a cold drink await, and if you have the energy there’s plenty of time for a celebration meal & maybe a glass of beer or wine at camp!
It’s your challenge – at your pace – and our support is geared up to handle leisurely walkers, seasoned Ultra runners, and all in between! The route is signed, our fully stocked rest stops will keep you going, and we have pace walkers & runners out on the course to team up with.
Just like our UK Ultra Challenges – you’ll find our support is second to none:
- Rest stops (am & pm) with snacks, drinks, toilets, medics
- Lunch stop at half way – cold buffet
- UK trip leader and core staff & medical team
- Signed route & local guides
- Showers & evening medical surgery + podiatrists
- Vehicle support.
- Medal & T-shirt
- Challenge App & training material
The challenge is fine for all levels of athletic ability – and you can join as an individual or couple and meet up with others, or as a team of friends or work colleagues and make it a group adventure to remember. You can sign up and Self Fund your place – (just like a holiday) – OR support a charity of your choice and fundraise. There’s a ‘Land Only‘ option if you want to organise & book your flight to make your travel arrangements easier – or maybe to stay in Jordan for extra days after (or before) your Ultra Challenge.
The Details
If you’ve done one of our UK Ultra Challenges, or have already cracked our fantastic ‘Saharan Ultra Challenge’ in Morocco – you’ll love this new Arabian adventure! There’s the same 1st class support & hospitality, combined with a great feeling of camaraderie from a group of up to 100 or so like-minded challengers. Whether you’re a keen walker, or a seasoned Ultra runner, you can join as an individual, with a friend, or as a group, and take the 2 marathon challenges on at your pace. It’s a great value ‘all inclusive’ package – for an unforgettable April 2024 challenge!
- Return flights (with full package – Land Only available)
- Transfers (on flights inc package)
- 3 nights camping
- Camping – tent & mattress on a twin share basis (single supplement available)
- 2 nights in Hotels (inc Dead Sea day). Rooms are on a twin share basis (single supplement available – as above)
- 2 days trekking / jogging / running
- Meals, snacks & drinks (bar type drinks are extra).
- Celebratory dinner at Basecamp
- Cold beer / drink & medal at the finish
- AM & PM rest stops & lunch stop
- Signed route & local guides
- Medical Team & podiatrists
- Challenge App with all the info
- Kit list & training plans
- FREE place on a 50 km UK Ultra Challenge
- Pre trip video briefing
- Jordan Ultra Challenge T Shirt
- Entry Visa for Jordan – cost circa £69 – available at the airport on arrival in Jordan – OR in advance via the Embassy. We will send full details out in good time prior to departure.
- For ‘Land Only’ package – Transfers to basecamp (£50 extra if you are able to join our group bus transfer from the initial hotel venue – or circa £300 for private 4×4 transfer – final price tbc)
- Personal kit, sleeping bag, & equipment
- Travel insurance (get it early – and make sure it covers ‘curtailment’ – in case you are unable to travel in April’24)
- Alcoholic & fizzy drinks from the camp bar or hotels
- Any extra items, meals, or activities at a hotel
- Single supplement for tent & and for 2 nights at hotels (£200 extra)
- Tips for local camp crew (we recommend Euro 50 per participant – as the local crew work very hard!)
Day 1: Tues 23 April – Arrive Jordan
- Depart London for Jordan
- Night & dinner in nice hotel
Day 2: Wed 24 April – Petra tour & Wadi Rum Basecamp
- Early start for morning tour in Petra & lunch
- Transfer to our basecamp camp in Wadi Rum via minibus (~3 hours)
Day 3: Thu 25 April – 42km marathon challenge & overnight camp
- Looped route – out of basecamp
- Rest stops & lunch en-route
- Finish back at basecamp
Day 4: Fri 26 April – 42km Challenge & overnight camp
- Early start from our basecamp
- Rest stops & lunch en-route
- Finish line medals & cold beer / drink at basecamp
- Celebratory dinner & evening entertainment @ basecamp!
Day 5: Sat 27 April – Dead Sea & spa hotel
- Transfer to Dead Sea (~ approx. 4 hrs)
- Lunch at hotel
- Swim / float in the Deas Sea!
- Relax at hotel / spa
- Group meal @ hotel (or ‘do your own thing’)
- Hotel overnight
Day 6: Sun 28 April – Return to UK
- Depart Jordan for London
- Land only extenders – head off on your own itinerary.
Full Itinerary – and Wadi Rum route maps – will be posted soon.
Our full package is on a flights included basis – from UK (London) to Jordan with a low cost carrier, with all flight inclusive packages it means you would meet up wit the group at the airport on departure day. Action Challenge has full ATOL coverage.
You can opt for a ‘Land Only’ package – and book your own flights with any airline, and then join up with our main group in Jordan. This may suit you if departing from a non-London airport makes your arrangements easier – or if you want to add extra days after (or before) your Ultra Challenge itinerary to make the most of your visit to Jordan, and explore more of its fabulous sights.
Prices & Sign Up Online
Do it for yourself – or support a charity of your choice. Sign up online & pay an initial deposit to secure your place. Flights inclusive package – or Land Only option. All participants get a free place on a 50km UK Ultra Challenge of their choice to use as a ‘warm up’.
* Participants must be at least 18 years old on departure day. All participants will be required to sign a Medical Declaration & prove that they have the appropriate personal travel insurance cover in place.
Sponsorship for Charity
Pay a small registration fee & commit to fundraise for a charity of your choice.
Mixed Funding for Charity
Pay half your place, & fundraise a smaller target for your chosen charity.
Your financial protection: The packages & flights indicated will be ATOL protected by the CAA in the UK – ATOL number 6296. See booking conditions for more information.
Corporate Team Packages
Are you looking for a new Challenge and a fantastic way to reward & bond a group? Perhaps you have a charity of the year you’d also like to support?
If so, the Jordan Ultra Challenge could be perfect for your Team – to re-energise, get in shape, and to enjoy an unforgettable adventure together! We provide flexible payment & fundraising options. Push yourselves further in 2024!
FAQs
For any queries or question you have in relation to the Jordan Ultra Challenge please have a read through of our information below. Do get in touch if you have any specific questions – or if you’d just like to discuss details of the challenge with one of our team
A CHALLENGE APP (for mobiles – but also viewable on a desktop / laptop) will become available in Spring 2023 – which will house all the details of the trip – how to prepare – what to bring – and what to expect. We will let you know once it goes ‘live’.
The Package
The flights will be with one of ‘low cost carriers’, departing from a London based airport. There will also be a British Airways option from Heathrow (limited availability & a £100 supplement – with 50% payable signing up on line to reserve). You will need to organise your own travel to and from the airport. The flight details will be published closer to the challenge.
If you are looking to organise your own flights, or perhaps you wish to stay on in Jordan before or after the challenge you can book our ‘Land Only’ package and organise your own flights. It will be your responsibility to meet our team at Amman Airport to then join our transfers to Petra and / or to basecamp in Wadi Rum.
You will be in a tent for the 3 nights of camping at basecamp, and 2 nights in hotels – all on a twin share basis. If you’re signing up as a couple or with a friend(s) – you can elect to share together when you register (teams will be located close to each other on the campsite). If you are signing up as an individual you will be placed with someone your own sex, and similar in age. In advance you will be given the opportunity to meet via our Facebook group.
NOTE – You can choose to upgrade to a single tent & hotel room for an additional Single Supplement of £200 (with £50 deposit payable when you sign-up to reserve)
NO – you will need to source your own travel insurance policy which will cover you for the challenge. Appropriate Travel insurance is compulsory and we will require the details of your policy in advance of departure. Please make sure that you declare any medical conditions to your insurance company – as you really would not want to find out that your cover was potentially invalid mid Wadi Rum!!
You will be required to sign a medical declaration with us (Action Challenge)
Your booking is protected, meaning that if the trip has to be cancelled by us (for example as a result of Covid-19) then you will be given the option of either a refund, or to transfer your place onto the following event.
Action Challenge has full ATOL cover.
NOTE – Taking out appropriate travel insurance at the right time – with curtailment cover is important in case you fall ill. In this instance – as final balances are invoiced 12 weeks prior to departure – you should definitely have it in place at that point in time
YES – British Citizens (and others) do need a visa for a visit to Jordan. This can be issued on arrival at the airport in Jordon (circa £69). You can apply in advance via the Jordanian Embassy. WE will send full details out in good time prior to departure. You need a valid passport (valid for 6 months beyond your arrival in Jordan). If you are NOT a British Citizen please check the visa / passport requirements.
Fitness & Training
This is a testing challenge – and will be physically & emotionally demanding for some! You will have to combat heat, fatigue and tiring limbs through the challenge!
On top the 2 marathons in 2 days – you’ll also be up against rocky terrain and the sun!
You will need to prepare – and should read the training advice issued. The more comfortable you are with walking / jogging long distances for sustained periods the more comfortable you will be on the challenge. If you opt for being ‘a runner‘ – be realistic about your aims (based on your experience & likely pace).
A training plan will be issued in the Challenge APP to assist in your preparation for the event – and we organise a few training walks to get you fitness levels up.
NOTE – Use your FREE 50km place on a UK Ultra Challenge to prepare prior to departure; the early April 2024 Easter 50 Ultra Challenge (in Windsor area) would be perfect – and we will try and get most of the Jordan Ultra group on it!
In April – its getting warm – and you can still expect daytime temperatures of over 30 degrees. Often this is clear blue skies, and strong sun so we highly recommend that your training incorporates longer distances during the summer months, on hot days. This is especially important to ensure you’ve trained in the shoes and clothes you plan on wearing during the challenge.
A runner is anyone who plans to finish each day (if on a marathon distance) within 4-6 hours, it is important that you distinguish yourself as either a walker or jogger on the challenge – as runners set off after the walkers, catch them up, and then overtake.
Yes – although as of yet every year we’ve run this challenge each participant has completed each day within the time limit. These will be enforced from the lunch stops onwards on both days. You are expected to walk at a minimum pace of 4km per hour – and therefore complete the first day within about 12 hours, including rest stops & lunch. There will be support vehicles and coaches on hand through the event should anyone need them!
Support
We expect that the Jordan Challenge will have up to 100 challengers – meaning that on the route you will never be alone, and there will be lots of new people to make friends with! One of the great aspects of this trip is the sense of adventure and camaraderie between challengers and friends for life are made!
Food and drink is fully included in your challenge! Approximately every 11 km there are manned checkpoints and replenishment stops where water, fruits and snacks are provided!
The event catering will be mixed, varied, delicious and plentiful, with calorific intake a priority. Both Western and local foods will be available.
The challenge will be supported by UK doctors in case of any emergencies, safety support vehicles should you need to be moved forward or collected along the route. We also have a team of UK podiatrists to help with all tired and weary feet!
The trail will be marked with pink flags / markers where it’s required. You will be required to walk in groups of 3 or more at all times, and we will have guides along the trail who you can walk with if you wish.
- Dining tents & seating areas
- Medical area & podiatrists
- Drinking water at all times
- Hot drinks & refreshments
- Showers, hand washing stations & toilets!
- Charging facilities (for phones – but limited (not laptops etc))
- Event Management team on hand throughout
Yes – each day of 42 km is broken down as per the below schedule (distances can vary slightly):
- 10 km – morning rest stop
- 21 km- lunch stop
- 32 km miles – afternoon rest stop
All rest stops, and the lunch stops are manned by our Event Management Team, and local guides and our Medical teams. There will be shaded seating areas with toilets, hand washing stations – we will also be serving refreshments, water refill and snacks/ or lunch.
Payments & Fundraising
If you’ve chosen the Self Funding option or the Mixed Funding option – you will be invoiced the final (remaining) balance 12 weeks before your trip – and the full balance must be paid to us 10 weeks before the trip.
If you’ve chosen either the Charity Sponsorship target, or the Mixed Fundraising option you will have to raise a minimum of 80% 12 weeks prior to the challenge, with the remaining 20% target due to be with your charity no later than 4 weeks after.
If you are unable to reach these targets, or you are concerned about reaching them we suggest speaking to your charity. Failure to reach your target would mean that you would have to make up the shortfall – or switch to ‘Self Fund’ – or ‘Mixed Funding’ (if applicable & possible).
Any extras (eg single supplements / transfers) will be invoiced to you – 12 weeks prior if you are on the Charity fundraising option.
You can ‘elect’ any charity to fundraise for how when you register onto the challenge – we will contact your chosen charity and ask if they are happy to accept you as a fundraiser. If so – they will be in touch with you shortly, if not (as some can’t budget for these events) then we will get back in touch with you and let you know so you can choose another charity.
