My Experience as a Massage Therapist at the Wadi Rum Ultramarathon
My Experience as a Massage Therapist at the Wadi Rum Ultramarathon
Join me behind the scenes at the Ultra X Jordan ultramarathon — a five-day race through Wadi Rum. Discover the power of massage and manual therapy in athlete recovery.
An Unforgettable Journey.
Spending a week in the vast and awe-inspiring Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan was an experience I’ll never forget. I had the privilege of joining the support team as a massage therapist during one of the most challenging and beautiful ultramarathon events in the world — the Ultra X Jordan, a five-day, 220 km race through the desert’s red dunes and sandstone mountains.
The atmosphere was electric — runners from every continent, of all ages and fitness levels, came together with one shared goal: to test their endurance, resilience, and mental strength. Watching them run through the heat, sand, and silence of the desert was nothing short of inspiring.
The Wadi Rum Ultramarathon Experience
The Ultra X Jordan is more than just a race; it’s a journey through one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic rock formations and endless red horizons.
Each day, runners covered distances of 30–70 km under the blazing desert sun, facing temperatures that often climbed above 35°C. Yet, what stood out most wasn’t just their physical endurance — it was their mental resilience and the incredible sense of community that formed among the athletes.
Even in moments of exhaustion, participants supported one another. They shared water, snacks, and smiles — small gestures that meant everything after hours on the trail. Every blister and sore muscle told a story of courage and determination.
The Power of Massage in Ultramarathon Recovery
As part of the medical and massage support team, my role was to help athletes recover between stages so they could perform again the next day. In multi-day races like Ultra X Jordan, recovery is everything. Without proper care, even the strongest runner risks not finishing.
Each evening, after hours of running, athletes came into the recovery tent for sports massage, soft tissue therapy, and mobility work. Many arrived barely able to stand; they left walking taller, looser, and more confident for the next stage.
Massage therapy during endurance events helps to:
Reduce muscle soreness and stiffness
Improve circulation and tissue repair
Prevent overuse injuries
Promote relaxation and better sleep
Seeing the difference a single treatment could make was deeply rewarding. The runners’ trust, gratitude, and determination were humbling — a reminder of how powerful bodywork can be for performance and recovery.
A huge thank you to Harry and the Ultra X team for organizing such a safe and supportive environment for athletes and staff alike.
How to Prepare for an Ultramarathon
Preparing for a stage race like Wadi Rum is about more than running long distances — it’s about training the body and mind for endurance.
Here are a few key focus points for anyone taking on an ultra:
Gradual mileage build-up: Increase weekly long runs slowly to prevent injury.
Strength training: Focus on glutes, hamstrings, calves, and core stability.
Mobility work: Keep hips, ankles, and spine mobile to handle uneven terrain.
Nutrition: Practice eating and drinking during long runs.
Mental preparation: Visualization and mindfulness can carry you through tough miles.
Recovery After the Ultra
Crossing the finish line in Wadi Rum is an emotional moment — exhaustion, pride, and relief all at once. But recovery is only just beginning.
Rehydrate and refuel within the first hour after finishing.
Do gentle movement — walking, stretching, or light mobility.
Use sports massage or myofascial release to restore muscle balance.
Prioritize sleep and rest to allow full tissue recovery.
Take time to reflect and decompress — mental recovery matters too.
Massage therapy isn’t just about muscles — it supports emotional reset, deep relaxation, and connection to your body after extreme effort.
Reflections from Wadi Rum
Being part of the Ultra X Jordan Ultramarathon reminded me why I love my profession — helping athletes move, recover, and reconnect with their strength. It was more than a sporting event; it was a celebration of human endurance, teamwork, and spirit.
As the sun set over the desert each night, the sense of community was tangible — runners, medics, and therapists united by the same goal: to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Whether you’re training for your first 10K or your next ultramarathon, remember that massage therapy is not a luxury — it’s an essential part of recovery, resilience, and longevity in sport.
About the Author
Marta Suchanska is the founder of MɅSSɅGE, a Certified Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, and final-year student of Osteopathic Medicine based in Marylebone, London. With over 10 years of experience, she specialises in a holistic, personalised approach to women’s health and chronic pain. Marta’s mission is to address root causes, helping clients restore balance and long-term wellbeing.
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