Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026.
Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime.
There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, estimated to be 50 runners in its first year, the Amazon Marathon is designed as an intimate experience for adventurous runners seeking a special bucket-list challenge.
Unlike many jungle or ultra-style events, the Amazon Marathon is a fully packaged, hosted experience delivered by Marathon Tours & Travel, with all international runners to travel as part of an official programme. This ensures a strong focus on safety, sustainability and seamless logistics in a remote environment, while allowing runners to focus on the adventure itself.
Participants can expect a carefully curated itinerary, including:
- Domestic transfers within Peru
- Pre-race accommodation and welcome experiences in Lima
- Race-week accommodation in unique jungle lodges and hotels
- Expert on-the-ground support from the Marathon Tours & Travel team
- Optional post-race extension, including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Jeff Adams, president of Marathon Tours & Travel, said: “The Amazon Marathon is the definition of a bucket-list race. It’s not just about covering the distance, it’s about where you are, what you are able to experience and the stories you take home. Running in the Amazon rainforest is something very few people ever get to do, and we’re proud to be launching an event that makes that possible in a safe, supported and unforgettable way.”
Sandra Fernández, biologist and president of Bajo Madre de Dios Tourism Association, said: “With a vision of collaboration, local businesses came together to promote the Bajo Madre de Dios as a unique nature and living culture destination that preserves the Amazon rainforest through sustainable tourism. Hosting the Amazon Marathon is a great honor for us and we are excited to expand our partnerships, supporting this important ecosystem for humanity as a whole.”
See more at marathontours.com