Ultra Gobi A+

121km solo race. It is you and the desert - unfiltered and transformative.

🗓️ OCTOBER 2-4, 2025 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA

Venture into the night of the vast Gobi Desert. This non-stop journey challenges participants to push their limits 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.

A fast 121km push across unforgiving terrain

  • 121km. Non-stop
  • 22 hrs cut-off
  • Self-navigated. Self-supported
  • Marked Rracecourse
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Global elite field with 150+ runners
A male trail runner wearing sunglasses, a race bib, and a red hydration vest runs on a rocky terrain with a group of runners behind him under a pale sky.

Race Schedule

The Ultra Gobi A+ race will be held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China, from October 3rd and 4th, 2025.

  • Oct. 2: Check-in and registration

  • Oct. 3: Race start at 14:00

  • Oct. 4: Cutoff at 12:00, award ceremony

Silhouettes of two hikers walking uphill during sunset with a bright sky in the background.

Racecourse

The A+ and A races share the same racecourse. Solo runners start in the afternoon on October 3rd. The racecourse is marked with flags.

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 A+ 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.

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 A+ and A 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.

A traditional Asian landscape painting showing mountains, waterfalls, trees, people, horses, and structures with smoke, in earthy tones of green, brown, and black.

FAQs

  • Our 20th Ultra Gobi A+ will be held in October 2025, starting on October 3rd.

  • 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

  • Each year, more than 100 Gobiers participate in the Ultra Gobi A+ race

  • 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 Race Highlights

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

Two runners compete in a race on a rocky trail with a creek, desert mountains, and a clear blue sky in the background.
A person participating in a long-distance race running on a flat, open terrain with a mountainous backdrop and red flags along the course.
Silhouettes of three runners jogging during dusk, with a small red flag on a pole and a colorful sunset sky in the background.
A motocross rider is sitting on the ground adjusting their left boot, which has the word "CEIBS" on it. They are wearing black pants, a watch, and a racing jersey with various logos, holding the boot with both hands. The ground is dirt and appears to
Two climbers in headlamps and outdoor gear posing at night in front of a rock climbing wall outdoors.
Two athletes hugging, one wearing a jacket with 'CHINA' written on it, at night.
Runner celebrating crossing the finish line at night, holding a red banner overhead, wearing a medal, sunglasses, and a lei, with a dark background.
Two ultramarathon runners walking on a dirt trail at night, wearing reflective gear and headlamps, with bright lights illuminating their path.