Ultra Gobi 121KM SOLO

It is you and the desert - unfiltered and transformative.

🗓️ OCTOBER 2025 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA

Venture into the night of the vast Gobi Desert. This non-stop journey challenges participants to push the limits of human endurance over an incredible 121 Km course within 22 hours, all while being self-supported. Each participant will write their own legendary story of courage, fearlessness, and perseverance, leaving their unique footprints in the Gobi.

This exclusive solo race is reserved for our Gobiers, or Gobi Alumni—those brave souls who have completed either the 121 KM Team event or the daring Ultra Gobi 400km.

Embrace the spirit of adventure and join us for an unforgettable experience in the Gobi!

Destination

The race originated in Dunhuang, located in the Gansu Province of Northeast China. The area is known as the “Hexi Corridor” and the “golden section” of the ancient Silk Road, with rich and unique natural, cultural and historical resources.

The 121 KM Team and Solo racecourse retraces the footsteps of Master Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk and an iconic figure in the Silk Road history. Over 1300 years ago, he embarked on a pilgrimage to India in search of sacred scriptures.

“Until I reach Tianzhu (India), I shall not take one step back eastward!” his words echoed through time.

Master Xuanzang found himself in a life-threatening situation in this very land, going through four days and five nights without a drop of water, and nearly died. Yet, with unwavering faith and determination, he managed to survive the Gobi Desert, and continued on with his journey to India.

Racecourse

The 121 KM Team and Solo races share the same racecourse. Solo runners start in the afternoon on the third day of the Team race, so they usually finish around the same time as the Team category, greeted by enthusiastic crowds of family and friends at the finish line.

The event course was meticulously mapped with the collaboration of archaeologists and scholars, earning a recognition as a “Linear Cultural Heritage” (heritage sites in linear cultural regions) by the local authority.

This remarkable route winds through the historic Site of Suoyang City, where Master Xuanzang spent a transformative month. It connects various iconic cultural heritage sites along the Silk Roads, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Qilian Mountains, nestled within the breathtaking Gobi Desert.

Checkpoints

Like the 400KM race, the Ultra Gobi 121KM Solo is a thrilling, non-stop, self-supported adventure spanning 22 hours. Participants must carry their own supplies throughout the race, with the exception of drinking water provided at checkpoints.

Unlike the 400KM race, the 121KM Solo racecourse is marked and features 9 checkpoints, each approximately 15km apart. Runners must check in at these checkpoints in order before the cutoff times.

Throughout the night, our dedicated committee crew and volunteers are stationed at the checkpoints, serving as beacon towers in the vastness of the Gobi, guiding participants on their remarkable journey.

FAQs

Our 20th Ultra Gobi 121km Solo will be held in October, 2025, starting on the 3rd day of the 121km Team.
Around Dunhuang, Gansu Province of Northwest China. A culturally rich part of the historical Silk Road.
USD $1,400 (CNY 9,800)
Registration includes:
- Race bib & race pack
- Event metal & finisher t-shirt
- Communal tents & mats & drinking water at checkpoints
- Drop-bag services
- Shuttle to/from Dunhuang airport
- Shuttle to/from race start and finish point
- Opening ceremony
- Safety briefings
- Award ceremony
- Professional race photos & videos
Registration does not include:
- Round-trip tickets to/from Dunhuang
- Accommodation in Dunhuang prior and after the race
- Personal supplies during the race (other than hot/cold drinking water)
- Personal expenses
Registration is open exclusively for Gobiers, or Gobi Alumni—those brave souls who have completed either the 121km Team event or the daring Ultra Gobi 400km.
Participants need to be 30-60 years of age.
Esteemed Gobiers, if you're interested in signing up please email us at ultragobiseries@gmail.com for more information.
Each year, over 100 Gobiers participate in the Ultra Gobi 121 km SOLO.
We invite our esteemed finishers from previous Ultra Gobi races to join us in 2025 for a grand gathering to celebrate our 20th anniversary.
Weather in the Gobi deserts around Dunhuang in early to mid-October, is typically cool and dry, and there can be strong winds.
The average temperature during this period is around 19°C (66°F), with highs reaching 28°C (82°F) and lows dropping to -3°C (26.6°F) at night.
Temperature can change drastically in the Gobi deserts, with a 30°C (86°F) temperature change throughout the day.
Mandatory equipments are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of our participants.