Aqaba, May 5 (Petra) – The 17th edition of Wadi Rum Full Moon Ultra Marathon (FMUM) kicked off with the participation of 495 runners from 46 countries, reflecting Jordan's "growing prominence" on the global sports tourism map.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Thabet Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), stated this race serves as a "global" platform to promote Jordan as a leading destination for adventure sports.
He noted this race is "not merely a sporting event, but a comprehensive experience that blends adventure and nature in the unique desert setting of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site." Since its inception in 2009, he stated the race has developed and became a global event attracting participants from around the world, which would promote sustainable tourism and support local communities.
Nabulsi honored Thomas Kinsley (Australia), the winner of the 50km men's race, and Anne Milligan (USA), the winner of the women's race, alongside with the race's organizers and sponsors.
The event, organized by TREKS in partnership with ASEZA and the Jordan Tourism Board, featured four races: 5-kilometre guided walk, a 10-kilometre desert run, a 21-kilometre half-marathon, and a 50-kilometre ultra-marathon, as participants experienced running in the desert under the moonlight.
//Petra// AG
