Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon: Jordan’s New Sports Tourism Powerhouse On The Red Sea Coast

Published on December 8, 2025

The Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon 2025 not only attracted professional athletes, amateur runners, families, and travelers but also gave the city of Aqaba, Jordan, a vibrant reception as it closed another successful edition this December. A large number of participants reported that the race alone did not lure them, but they were also promised the opportunity of enjoying the famous Red Sea shoreline of Jordan. The event which was organized by Run Jordan in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority attracted almost two-thousand runners, thus confirming the reputation of Aqaba as one of the Middle East’s up-and-coming sports tourism destinations.

According to the official Jordan Tourism Board website, Aqaba is a strategic pillar of the Kingdom’s tourism vision, something this marathon continues to strengthen.

A Major Sporting Festival Powering Jordan’s Tourism Vision

With the event now regarded as one of Jordan’s most significant athletic gatherings, tourism officials highlighted that such festivals help position the country as a hub for active and adventure travel. The marathon’s timing at the start of the winter season, when Aqaba enjoys warm weather adds to its international appeal.

Participants competed in several categories, including the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km race, children’s categories, relay events, and specialised races for wheelchair and visually impaired athletes. Races set off from different scenic points across the stunning Ayla Oasis project, allowing runners to immerse themselves in waterfront views, modern architecture, and meticulously planned promenades.

Event organisers were quoted as saying that the marathon’s seamless coordination reflected Jordan’s growing expertise in hosting international sporting events.

Race Results: A Competitive Field of Local and Regional Champions

Half Marathon – Overall Results

Men

• 1st: Ahmad Sammour — 1:05:53
• 2nd: Abdulaziz Al-San’ali — 1:07:17
• 3rd: Huthaifa Al-Akkawi — 1:08:45

Women

• 1st: Hanoia Hasaballah — 1:20:42
• 2nd: Heba Hammoud — 1:24:45
• 3rd: Nahida Al-Bawat — 1:26:52

Wheelchair and Visually Impaired Categories

Wheelchair athletes and visually impaired runners also delivered remarkable performances, with Bilal Abu Mansi finishing first in the wheelchair division and Suhail Nashash leading the total visual impairment category.

10 KM Results

Men

• 1st: Shareef Sares — 30:22

Women

• 1st: Sabreyya Maradat — 39:14

Additional categories saw scores of athletes delivering strong times, while the children’s races reflected a vibrant future for youth fitness and athletics in Jordan.

A Family-Friendly Festival Boosting Visitor Numbers

Local tourism operators reported increased bookings during the marathon weekend, with many visitors extending their stay to explore Jordan’s coastal and desert attractions. Aqaba’s proximity to Wadi Rum and Petra, two of the region’s most sought-after destinations, encourages marathon participants to combine sport with cultural exploration.

Travel agents noted that sporting festivals like this one attract tourists who value holistic experiences, blending wellness, outdoor adventure, and authentic local culture. Families particularly enjoyed the child-friendly race categories and the festive atmosphere around Thawra Square, where the awards ceremony took place.

A Platform for Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Run Jordan highlighted that the marathon continues to serve as a model for community engagement, bringing together volunteers, government institutions, private partners, and local residents. Officials at the ceremony reportedly emphasised that this collaborative approach is essential for sustaining long-term tourism growth.

Ms. Lina El-Kurd, General Manager of Run Jordan, was quoted as expressing pride in the event’s organisational success and its wider mission of encouraging sports as an everyday lifestyle. She remarked indirectly that the support of national institutions has been key to ensuring the marathon’s rising status regionally.

Why the Marathon Matters for Jordan’s Sports Tourism Strategy

Jordan’s tourism authorities increasingly view sports events as powerful engines for economic growth. The Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon:

• Attracts international athletes, who often extend their stay and spend on accommodation, excursions, and local cuisine.
• Strengthens Jordan’s brand as a destination for wellness, outdoor adventure, and year-round activities.
• Showcases Aqaba’s world-class infrastructure, including Ayla Oasis, marinas, resorts, diving centres, and cycling routes.
• Encourages repeat visits, as many runners return annually or bring new participants with them.
• Integrates youth and community participation, fostering a positive environment for future sporting talent and tourism ambassadors.

According to the Jordan Tourism Board, Aqaba plays a central role in national plans to diversify tourism offerings, including diving, sailing, water sports, and major athletic festivals.

A Celebratory Finish to a Landmark Event

As the sun set on Aqaba’s waterfront and runners mingled with families, volunteers, and organisers, many visitors expressed a heartfelt sense of connection to the city’s warm hospitality. The 2025 Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon ended not just as a competition, but as a shared experience celebrating health, togetherness, and the joy of exploring Jordan through sport.

Festival’s that have it all that is the combination of a breathtaking scenery and an athletic challenge, the festival is likely to keep attracting the visitors who look for active, meaningful experiences, thus, making Jordan’s gradually established position even more solid in the world sports tourism landscape.