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) with all the details of the trip – how to prepare – what to bring – and what to expect. You will get access after registering.
NEW YEAR DEAL
£100 OFF ALL BOOKINGS WITH CODE: NY100
+ FREE Fleece worth £35
+ FREE UK Training Event worth £139
+ £250 OFF if booking 2 places!
DEAL ENDS 31ST JAN 2025
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 March 2025 Bath 50 Ultra Challenge 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.