Amman is the capital and largest city in Jordan. It’s located in the northwest region of the country, not far from the Dead Sea. While human settlement of Amman dates back to the Neolithic age, the modern day city grew rapidly after it was designated as the capital of Transjordan. Today, this Beta-Global City is home to numerous multinational corporations, and the fifth most visited city in the Arab world. Running in Amman can be tricky, but there are a couple of signature parks downtown, and plenty of trails and country roads outside the city.
The best places to run in Amman are the course at Sport City, and the paths of Al-Hussein Park. Amman tends to be crowded and hard to navigate, so many runners travel to the outskirts of the city for quiet road and trail running. Some popular routes in the countryside include the International Community School, the Scandinavian Forest, King of Bahrain Forest, Wasfi Al Tal Forest. For a trail running adventure, pick a section of the long-distance Jordan Trail near Amman.
There is no public transportation in Amman, so car rentals and taxis are the most popular way to get around. For some of the routes on the outskirts of Amman, runners will need to arrange taxi transportation to and from in advance. It’s a good idea to run with a partner or a group in these areas.
Notes: Jordan can be hot, sunny, and dry so be sure to hydrate and wear sun protection. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly, even while running.
Special thanks to Crossfit Crescent and Amman Road Runners for their help with this guide — be sure to join them for a group run/workout if you’re in Amman!
