Results: 2026
Elise Lagerstrom won the Gobi March outright in 28:52:37, becoming the first woman to win a 4 Deserts race overall, with Rob Robinson first man in 29:44:48.
| Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Overall / Women | Elise Lagerstrom | 28:52:37 |
| Men | Rob Robinson | 29:44:48 |
The 20th edition. The organizer's results table does not publish finisher or starter totals.
Source: RacingThePlanet — Gobi March official past results (2026). Checked September 14, 2026.
Next edition: June 20, 2027. The 2027 edition runs June 20-26, 2027 in Mongolia.
Event Overview
| Date | Jun 21-27, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Karakorum, Central Mongolia |
| Format | Stage Race |
| Terrain | Desert |
| Region | Asia |
| Distance / duration | 250 km |
| Cutoff | Stage cutoffs apply; runners must complete each stage and pass official checkpoints. |
| Highlights | 4 Deserts Series, 20th Edition, UNESCO Heritage Route |
Course & Terrain
Self-supported RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts stage race over roughly 250 km and six stages.
Key course features to know before comparing this race:
- Mongolian steppe and desert terrain
- 20th edition of the Gobi March
- Part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series
The Gobi March is less about a single surface and more about repeated exposure to open terrain, varied footing, and pack-carrying fatigue.
Mongolian conditions can swing between hot exposed days, cool nights, wind, and storms.
Format & Support (as run)
| Qualification | Entrants ran remote self-supported stages, carrying mandatory equipment and all food between camps. |
|---|---|
| Support model | RacingThePlanet provides camps, route marking, checkpoints, drinking water, medical support, and race operations; runners carry food and mandatory equipment. |
Why This Race Matters
Gobi March is a useful reference point for runners comparing stage race events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.
Preparing for a Race Like Gobi March
The stage race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Stage race packing list: Mandatory kit, daily carry, camp bags, food and foot care.
- Walking strategy for ultramarathons: When and how to walk by terrain, effort and cutoffs.
- Hydration and sodium for ultramarathons: Fluid, sodium, thirst, sweat rate and hyponatremia risk.
- Blister prevention: Socks, taping, lubrication, shoe fit and hot spots.
Best Fit
- Stage-race athletes seeking a classic 4 Deserts race
- Runners who want remote terrain without continuous sleep deprivation
- Athletes comfortable carrying food and mandatory gear
Planning Notes
- Study the mandatory gear list early and rehearse carrying the exact pack weight you expect to use on race day.
- Heat, sun, and dry air require event-specific preparation. Test sun protection and cooling, drink in response to thirst, and remember that sodium cannot make overdrinking safe.
- The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.
Event FAQs
Is Gobi March self-supported?
Yes. It follows the RacingThePlanet model: runners carry food and mandatory equipment while the organizer supplies camps, water, checkpoints, and support.
How many stages does Gobi March have?
The event is listed as a 250 km race over six stages.
Related Preparation
- Compare this race in the full 2026 calendar
- Browse the multiday stage-race calendar
- Open the Stage Race format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Plan checkpoint arrivals and cutoff buffers
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated June 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Official Gobi March page — https://www.racingtheplanet.com/gobimarch
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: June 2026.