Ultra Gobi 400KM
The ultimate test of endurance and will in the wild, untamed Gobi Desert.
🗓️ OCTOBER 1 - 9, 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.
Introducing: The Gobi Dreamer Program
For the first time, Ultra Gobi is offering five free entry spots through the new Gobi Dreamer Program. This initiative is for those whose personal story reflects the spirit of the race—growth, connection, and cultural exchange. Selected participants will have their $3,500 entry fee covered. Applications are open until May 14.
A once in a lifetime adventure in the wild Gobi Desert
400km. Non-stop
141 hrs cut-off
Self-navigated
Self-supported
50 athletes only
UNESCO World Heritage sites
Rest stations with the most warm-hearted volunteers in the world
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. You can find the race results from the editions 2014-2024 here.
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 1-9, 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.
-
You can download and view the 2025 Race Regulations here
-
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 100mile/160km 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.
-
You can find the results of previous editions in this news article: Race Results 2024-2024
-
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.
Hall of Fame: the 2024 podium
-
![]()
Bryon Powell
2024 Men’s 1st Place
Men’s Race Record
-
![]()
Sange Sherpa
2024 Men’s 2nd Place
-
![]()
Gu, Bing
2024 Men’s 3rd Place
-
![]()
Zheng, Junyue
2024 Women’s 1st Place
Women’s Race Record
-
![]()
Nicky Booyens
2024 Women’s 2nd Place
-
![]()
Gao, Feifei
2024 Women’s 3rd Place
Sponsors & Partners
2024 Race Highlights
Relive the action of the 2024 edition day by day with our video series below or on our YouTube channel.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
