Gobi March (Mongolia)

The Gobi March (Mongolia), part of the prestigious 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, is a legendary endurance event scheduled for June 21–27, 2026. This 250-kilometer (155-mile), six-stage race is a self-supported odyssey where competitors must carry all their own equipment and food while navigating the vast, untouched steppes of Central Mongolia.

The 20th edition of the race begins at the Khar Bukh Balgas Fortress and follows the footsteps of Genghis Khan through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley. Runners will encounter a "rollercoaster" of terrain, including sand dunes, rocky canyons, and wide-open grasslands, eventually finishing at the ancient capital of Karakorum. Each night, the international community of adventurers gathers in traditional Mongolian Gers (yurts) or shared tents, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie under the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky."

Participants are required to carry a backpack containing all mandatory gear, typically weighing around 9kg (20 lbs). While the race is physically punishing, it is designed to be inclusive; approximately 60% of competitors use a run/walk strategy. The event package includes two nights of hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, transportation to the starting camp, and professional medical support from wilderness doctors throughout the week.