Ultra Gobi 400KM

The ultimate test of endurance and will.

🗓️ OCTOBER 4 - 12, 2025 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA

The Ultra Gobi 400km is China's first ultra-distance, non-stop, self-navigated, self-supported endurance race, and is the ultimate test of human endurance, physically and mentally.

It bridges past and present, resonating with echoes of battle horns and merchant caravans from the Silk Road. The Chinese name “八百流沙” (800 Li of Quicksand, where 800 Li converts to 400km) refers to the vast desert from in Northwest China from Guazhou to Hami.

This historically significant area, part of Masters Xuanzang's pilgrimage route, is described as barren and desolate, with only sand and dry river beds, where stars shine brightly at night and fierce winds blow sand during the day.

Destination

The race originated in 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.

Two of the UNESCO world heritage sites are located along the Ultra Gobi 400km racecourse, the Xuanquanzhi Posthouse, and the Suoyang City Ruins.

Racecourse

Our 400km adventure is anything but ordinary. In fact, we intentionally vary the course each year to keep things exciting and challenging.

While we provide GPS coordinates for all checkpoints and rest stations, as a self-navigated event, the journey is ultimately yours to chart. We’ll also share a recommended route as a helpful guide.

The specific coordinates for the upcoming edition will be released approximately one month before the event.

To give you a taste of what to expect, here's a sneak peek at our 2024 recommended route.

Rest stations & checkpoints

The Ultra Gobi 400 KM is a relentless race through the largely inhabited part of the wild Gobi Desert.

There are no mandatory stops or rest periods. However, 10 strategically placed rest stations offer opportunities to recharge and refuel. Volunteers at these stations are there to create a sense of home, or as close to that as possible, in the wilderness.

Beyond the rest stations, resting time is strictly limited: a maximum of 2 hours at checkpoints (CPs) and 1 hour on the course.

FAQs

It’s happening in October, 2025, following the Ultra Gobi 121km TEAM and SOLO races.
Around Dunhuang, Gansu Province of Northwest China. A culturally rich part of the historical Silk Road.
USD $3,500
Registration includes:
- Race bib & race pack
- Metal (tiger tally) & finisher t-shirt
- Communal tents & mats & drinking water at rest stations
- Drop-bag services
- Airport pickup/dropoff from Dunhuang
- Shuttle to/from race start and finish point
- Welcome banquet
- 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
The 2025 entry criteria will be announced alongside the Race Regulations.
For reference, the 2024 race entry criteria required participants to provide proof of long-distance race completion, specifically demonstrating that they had finished at least one 100K race between January 1, 2023, and July 20, 2024.
To guarantee an exclusive experience, registration is limited to just 50 of the most elite and seasoned warriors from around the globe.
Secure your spot now and join this extraordinary adventure!
Men’s race record: currently held by Mr. Bryon Powell from USA, who finished the 2024 edition in 68:59:40.
Women’s race record: currently held by Ms. Zheng, Junyue from China, who finished the 2024 edition in 79:43:19.
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.
As we finalize the 2025 regulations in the coming weeks, please find here the 2024 race regulations for your reference.