2024 Ultra Gobi 400km & 121km
Ultra Gobi 400km race
The electronic timer finally stopped at 140:13:43 as the last participant, Ms. Bu Yunping from Singapore, crossed the finish line, almost 2 hours before the final cutoff time. This marked the conclusion of the Ultra Gobi 400km race, a grueling 142-hour non-stop event requiring self-support, self-navigation and the ability to endure extreme environments and weather conditions.
Of the 54 participants, an impressive 51 completed the race, a remarkable completion rate of over 94.4%. This demonstrated the high level of determination and preparation among the participants.
According to statistics by the Committee, each participant was served by an average of 8 volunteers during the race, in an effort to guarantee both the safety and the fairness of the race.
The race was marked by a dramatic finish, with American runner Bryon Powell securing the championship in men’s group with a time of 68:59:40, breaking the previous race record. Powell's victory came as a surprise to many, as Gu Bing and Sange Sherpa had been leading for most of the race.
Sange Sherpa, a Nepalese runner, finished second with a time of 73:13:20. Despite missing out on the championship due to a navigational error, Sherpa's selfless act of picking up trash along the racecourse gained respect from many. His commitment to environmental preservation served as an inspiration to participants and spectators alike.
Zheng Junyue, a female runner from China, finished 1st among women and 4th overall with a time of 79:43:19. Known for her signature use of lipstick throughout the race, Zheng Junyue embodied a stunning combination of beauty and athleticism. Despite the immense physical challenges, she persevered to become the most radiant 'Gobi Rose,' inspiring women worldwide.
South African ultrarunner, Nicky Booyens, also delivered a strong performance, finishing 2nd among women and 7th overall with a time of 86:52:11.
Gao Feifei from China finished 3rd in women, and 16th overall, with a time of 99:33:00.
Any runner who completed the 400km race was honored with a prestigious title. The podium finishers were awarded the titles of "Guanjun Marshall" (1st place), "Cheji Marshall" (2nd place), and "Zhenjun Marshall" (3rd place) respectively. All other finishers were bestowed the title of "Fubo Genera", a mark of the highest respect.
These "desert warriors" are individuals who have continued to push the limits of human endurance. They have overcome countless challenges to complete this tremendous journey, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination. Their commitment to their goals is truly inspiring to all.
Ultra Gobi 121km race
The Ultra Gobi 121km race drew a massive crowd of approximately 6,000 participants from 120 teams. This iconic endurance challenge has been a Gobi Desert signature event for the past 19 years, attracting thousands of participants and adventurers each year. The 4-day, 121km race stands out from traditional ultra and endurance events due to its unique team-based format.
Renowned for its emphasis on teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and physical endurance, the Ultra Gobi 121km is highly sought-after by top business schools worldwide. Over the past 18 years, the race has attracted 83 top business schools from Asia, Europe, and America, with over 170 teams and 60,000 participants. It has become a prominent event within the Chinese business community, renowned for developing essential teamwork, leadership skills, and physical resilience.
The first day of the 121km race was an experience day, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the land, build endurance, and enjoy the Gobi Desert's scenery before immersing themselves in the race atmosphere. The official race days were from October 2nd to 4th.
Based on the overall race results, CKGSB won the championship, fulfilling expectations and securing their position on the throne once again.