Jordan Desert Ultra Marathon Challenge | Ultra X
Dreaming of taking on a desert ultra marathon and experiencing the magic of Wadi Rum, but not ready for the full 220 km? The Ultra X Jordan Challenge gives you all the landscapes, community, checkpoints, finish lines and star-filled campfire nights of Ultra X Jordan – while covering half the daily distance.
Perfect for those building up to their first multi-stage ultra, adventurers who want the experience without the full mileage, or family members supporting a runner in the main event, the Challenge offers an achievable way to experience one of the world’s great running adventures.
What is the Ultra X Jordan Challenge?
The Ultra X Jordan Challenge is a five-day, non-competitive desert ultra marathon experience that runs alongside the main Ultra X Jordan 220 km race. Participants follow the same route, checkpoints and overnight camps, but start each stage from the halfway point.
- Total distance: ~110 km across 5 stages
- Same camps, atmosphere and finish lines as the full race
- No timings, rankings or podium places – it’s all about experience
How the Jordan Challenge Works
Each morning, those runners on the Jordan Challenge are transported by 4×4 to a checkpoint around halfway along that day’s stage. This happens around 2 hours after the main event start. From there, they run the remaining desert section into camp — giving participants a genuine Jordan ultra marathon experience in more achievable daily distances.
Daily Distances and Desert Stage Breakdown:
- Stage 1: 20 km
- Stage 2: 20 km
- Stage 3: 28 km
- Stage 4: 23 km
- Stage 5: 17 km
Daily vehicle departure times from camp:
- Stage 1: 8:00
- Stage 2: 8:00
- Stage 3: 7:00
- Stage 4: 8:00
- Stage 5: 8:00
Cut-Offs, Pace & Safety in the Desert
To ensure safety in remote desert terrain, runners must reach each checkpoint before the published cut-offs to continue. Runners need to complete 10 km in under 3.5 hours, which is approximately 3.3 km/h (2.07 mph). This ensures everyone reaches camp safely, eats, recovers and can start again the next day.
Can I Switch from the Full Ultra X Jordan Ultra Marathon?
Yes. If you enter the 220 km race but don’t complete a stage:
- ✔ You will automatically continue the week as a Jordan Challenge participant (subject to medical clearance)
- ✔ You stay in camp, keep running and remain part of the event community
- ✔ You can still earn a Jordan Challenge medal
You may still attempt a full stage later if conditions allow, but you will remain classified in the Challenge.
Do Finishers Get a Medal?
Yes. Those who complete all five stages from the designated halfway point receive a First Edition Jordan Challenge medal – distinct from the full Ultra X Jordan medal, which is slightly larger and includes the Ultra X logo. Both are awesome.
Who Is the Jordan Challenge For?
Ideal for:
- Runners building towards their first multi-stage ultra
- Adventurers seeking the desert ultra marathon experience without full mileage
- Runners recovering from injury who still want a big goal
- Family or friends travelling with a full Ultra X competitor
- Anyone who wants to complete something extraordinary
Cost, Logistics & Mandatory Kit
The price of the Jordan Challenge is the same as Ultra X Jordan because participants receive all the same infrastructure and support, plus daily transfers to the start point. Mandatory kit requirements are identical – safety standards remain the same in remote desert terrain.
Challenge entrants share:
- The same camps and meals
- The same medical and welfare teams
- The same atmosphere and sunrise wake-ups
What Happens If I Don’t Finish a Stage?
You may still take part in later stages (if medically cleared), but to receive a Challenge medal you must complete all five designated half-stages. Even if you retire fully, you can remain in camp and join the event crew — and you might find it’s even more fun!
Ultra X operates a drop-back-in policy:
If you cannot finish a stage, you may start the next one (if cleared by the medical team).
You will not, however, receive an overall rank or medal.
If you fail to complete two stages, you will be withdrawn from the event.
How to Enter the Jordan Challenge
Registration opens on Thursday 11th December at 18:00 via the Ultra X Jordan race page on Race Space.
2026 places are limited to 30.
For further questions, please contact contact@ultra-x.co.