MULTIDAYRUNNING
⛰️ Stage Race

Gobi March

The 20th edition of this 250km, 6-stage self-supported race through the Mongolian steppe. Part of the RacingThePlanet 4 Deserts series. Route passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon Valley.

Official WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

DateJun 21-27, 2026
Location🇲🇳 Karakorum, Central Mongolia
FormatStage Race
TerrainDesert
RegionAsia
Distance250 km
CutoffStage cutoffs apply; runners must complete each stage and pass official checkpoints.
Highlights4 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.

Entry & Logistics

RegistrationThe 2026 Gobi March live page was active for the 20th edition during race week.
QualificationEntrants should be prepared for remote self-supported stage racing with mandatory equipment and food carried between camps.
Support modelRacingThePlanet provides camps, route marking, checkpoints, drinking water, medical support, and race operations; runners carry food and mandatory equipment.
Logistics noteRunners should plan flights, transfers, race hotel, mandatory kit, calorie packing, and post-race recovery around the official RacingThePlanet itinerary.

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.

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 exposure, and dry air can change hydration needs quickly. Test sun protection, sodium strategy, and cooling tactics before the race.
  • This is not marked as a beginner-friendly event. Confirm qualification standards, support rules, and registration requirements before building a season around it.
  • Pack weight affects every stage
  • Remote conditions make mandatory kit and medical preparation important
  • Current course details can shift by edition and should be checked in the race pack

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.

Sources

  1. Official Gobi March page — https://www.racingtheplanet.com/gobimarch
  2. Multiday Running event directory data, last reviewed June 2026.