The 13th Amman-Dead Sea Ultra Marathon will take place on April 7th 2006; more than 2500 participants are expected to participate.The Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon is a grueling test of endurance. The competitors begin at the high elevations of Amman and make their way down to the lowest point on Earth, in the desert of southern Jordan.
The race begins at 900 meters above sea level and ends 50 kilometers later at around 400 meters below sea level (yes, that's a difference of 1300 meters).
It is actually divided into three events: the half marathon of 21km, the standard marathon that is 42km and the ultra-marathon topping the bill at 52 hot kilometers along tarmac roads with no shade! Runners can take part individually or within a team of four. If you are not of peak fitness, possessed of a steely will and vaguely acclimatized to the temperature, it's probably best to observe rather than compete.
The marathon is a fund raising event co-organized by the Society for Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP) and the Amman Road Runners.
"Run To the Lowest Point on Earth"
The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (DSUM) has witnessed over a decade of rising national and international recognition with the joint effort of the Society for the Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP) and Amman Road Runners, under the patronage of HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid.
The DSUM is held annually every April on the second Friday, from Amman to the Dead Sea. It is the main fund raising event for the SCNP, which provides neurological patients with medical aid and covers the costs of necessary surgeries for the needy.
So far, the Society has contributed to the treatment of 940 cases at a value of nearly 520.000 JDs. The SCNP is funded by donations from individuals, public and private companies, annual membership fees, as well as proceeds of sports events. The Society anticipates expanding its role in the treatment of neurological patients and becoming a developmental organization—creating social and technical programs in cooperation with related official and non-official sectors.
The DSUM has had a successful record of accomplishment since it first started. Several world record runners and champions participated, the year 2005 run broke all records, it marked a turning point in the future of the event as a national and international athletic, touristic and above all charitable event with the continuous support of Jordanian organizations with more than 1600 runners representing 48 nationalities.
If you would like to participate please contact http://www.mideastconsultants.com
