About AIM

Amman – the capital city of Jordan – originally built on seven hills is now a bustling metropolis blending antiquity and ancient civilizations with the fast pace of modern life. Home to one of the longest inhabited urban dwellings, Amman bears witness to the many pre-Islamic (Ammonite, Hellenic and Roman) and Islamic (Ummayad) civilizations that visited the lands East of the River Jordan.  From the long walls of the Citadel built during the Bronze Ages to the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Amman, the city stands proud of its past but is modernizing to live in the future.

As part of this vision combining cultural heritage with modern-day living, the Greater Amman Municipality has come together with the Society for the Care of Neurological Patients in launching the first Amman International Marathon (AIM) on October 17, 2009.  This world-class sporting event in the heart of Amman will coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the modern day Amman Municipality and will hopefully begin an annual tradition akin to other international marathons in the Middle East and beyond. This sporting tradition will attract professional and non-professional runners worldwide and help showcase the scenic features of the Jordanian capital.

The main objectives of AIM are to promote athleticism, particularly among youth; to encourage tourism to Jordan; and to promote athletic cooperation across countries of the Middle East and the world.  Promoting healthy lifestyles among all members of society, and a spirit of volunteerism are other key objectives of AIM.  This first marathon will be held in October, 2009 in view of the favorable climate conditions during the Fall season and the scheduled calendar of other international marathons. AIM is accredited by IAAF (International Athletics Federation) as an international event and is supported as well by Beirut Marathon Association.  

The route of the race starts at the steps of the Greater Amman Municipality and the finishing line will be at the old Gladiator Park next to the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Amman. The categories of the running events are 42 K for professional runners, 10K for fun run / leisure runners to encourage public participation, and 4K for children.