Ultra Gobi
121KM TEAM

The unique team running or trekking experience in the heart of the Gobi Desert.

🗓️ SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 4, 2025 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA

For the past two decades, thousands of participants have gathered in the Gobi Desert each year for this iconic 4-day, 121km team stage event. It is a unique experience for all — whether experienced runners or curious trekking enthusiasts.

Over the last 19 editions, the challenge has attracted 99 top business schools from Asia, Europe, and America, with over 207 teams and 60,000 participants taking part.

GO BEYOND. GOBI BEYOND.

Once in a lifetime experience

  • Feel the Gobi

    Northwestern China's Gobi Desert is a land of vast landscapes, steeped in legend and mystery.

  • Breath history

    You will pass UNESCO world heritage sites and experience ancient Chinese culture first hand.

  • Become a stronger team

    Experiencing the Gobi together and tackling this unique challenge as a team forms friendships for life.

  • “Recreate yourself”

    Through the journey, each participant will find the opportunity for personal reflection and growth.

Embark on a mythical journey

Open for adventures of all levels

The Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM experience is designed for everyone, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to succeed.

Whether you’re seasoned endurance athletes or curious trekking enthusiasts, this event invites individuals and teams of all backgrounds to join and thrive.

Destination

The challenge takes place near Dunhuang, located in the Gansu Province of Northwest 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 121km Team/Solo course 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!”

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.

Course

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.

Rest & recovery

Participants set up camp in a mobile campsite each night after completing their stage.

We provide food, water, eco-friendly toilets, and sports rehabilitation services.

This campsite acts as a temporary home for thousands of participants and staff to unwind and recharge.

Each overnight camp turns the Gobi Desert into a “City for One Night”, vanishing without a trace the next day, in line with our strictly enforced Leave-No-Trace policies.

Race supplies

Food is included as a part of the 121km Team registration fee.

Buffet breakfast and dinner are served during the race at the campsite, and packed lunch is provided for each participant to bring with them during the trek/run.

Additionally, supplies such as fruits and light snacks will be available at large checkpoints along the racecourse each day.

Get ready to savor authentic and delicious local cuisines such as grilled lamb and beef noodles, alongside a selection of locally grown fruits including grapes, melons, apricots, and dates.

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

  • The Ultra Gobi experience mirrors an entrepreneur's journey, filled with trials and triumphs that only they can fully appreciate. It is through enduring solitude and adversity that one can push through limits and achieve greatness.

    – LIU, Chuanzhi

    Founder, Lenovo
    Finisher, Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM

  • The Ultra Gobi offers a chance for introspection and personal growth. It's a place where entrepreneurs can find solace and challenge themselves.

    In today's fast-paced business world, many entrepreneurs are caught in a relentless pursuit of success. They need to learn to slow down and let go of their burdens to truly thrive.

    – WANG, Shi

    Founder, Vanke Group
    Finisher, Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM

  • Seeking answers, I took my team to the Ultra Gobi. This experience had a profound impact on Alibaba's entrepreneurial journey.

    Over 4 days and 121km, we encountered disappointment, frustration, setbacks, and pain. Yet, ultimately, we had to believe in the power of perseverance.

    – HU, Xiaoming

    CEO, Ant Group
    Finisher, Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM

  • The Gobi experience has bonded us like family.

    – PING, Gang

    CKGSB, EMBA
    Finisher, Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM

  • Step forward, and let the change unfold.

    – LI, Wei

    Peking University Guanghua School of Management, EMBA
    Finisher, Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM

FAQs

  • Our 20th Ultra Gobi 121km Team will be held in October, 2025.

  • Around Dunhuang, Gansu Province of Northwest China. A culturally rich part of the historical Silk Road.

  • USD $2,810 (CNY 18,900) - Non-brand Teams

    Registration includes:

    • Race bib & race pack

    • Event metal

    • Meals and refreshments during the event

    • Campsite services

    • Drop-bag transportation

    • 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 expenses

  • Registration is open exclusively for school and brand teams.

    If you're interested in signing up as a team, please email us at ultragobiseries@gmail.com for more information.

  • Each year, over 5,000 participants from EMBA, MBA, EE, and DBA programs, along with brand teams from all around the world participant in this unique event.

    We invite you to join us in 2025 for a grand gathering and celebration of 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.

2024 Highlights

Relive the action of the 2024 edition day by day with our video series below or on our YouTube channel.

WHW00053.jpg
KCN04981.jpg
IMGL9134.jpg
IMGL2414.jpg
_HW16502.jpg
LNN02899.jpg
798A7015.JPG
IMG_0226.jpg

Hall of Fame: the champions since 2006

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    1st Edition Champion (2006)

  • Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management

    2nd Edition Champion (2007)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    3rd Edition Champion (2008)

  • China Europe International Business School

    4th Edition Champion (2009)

  • China Europe International Business School

    5th Edition Champion (2010)

  • China Europe International Business School

    6th Edition Champion (2011)

  • China Europe International Business School

    7th Edition Champion (2012)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    8th Edition Champion (2013)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    9th Edition Champion (2014)

  • Xiamen University School of Management

    10th Edition Champion (2015)

  • Antai College of Economics & Management

    11th Edition Champion (2016)

  • Antai College of Economics & Management

    12th Edition Champion (2017)

  • Antai College of Economics & Management

    13th Edition Champion (2018)

  • Antai College of Economics & Management

    14th Edition Champion (2019)

  • China Europe International Business School

    15th Edition Champion (2020)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    16th Edition Champion (2021)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    17th Edition Champion (2023)

  • China Europe International Business School

    18th Edition Champion (2023)

  • Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

    19th Edition Champion (2024)

Sponsors & Partners