400 Kilometers of Truth: The 2025 Ultra Gobi comes to a successful end

On October 3, fifty-five runners set out to cover 400 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 3,000 meters, entirely self-supported and alone for long stretches of time. Fifty made it into the rankings, each with a story carved into the desert wind.

For this year’s champion, Cody Poskin (USA), the experience was both physical and spiritual. Crossing the finish line in 64 hours, 49 minutes, and 32 seconds, he not only claimed the title but also set a new event record — earning the honorary title of Guanjun Marshall.

“It was an incredible race from start to finish. I like the idea of running at the front, but towards the end it got really difficult for me. It’s hard to say why I won. Maybe because I wanted it more than the others? In any case, the organisation, the landscape and the volunteers’ work are a dream — everything is beautiful and perfect!”

In second place, Jovica Spajić (Serbia) finished in 68 hours, 20 minutes, and 38 seconds, taking the title of Cheji Marshall. Close behind, Aaron Kubala (USA) completed the men’s podium in 68 hours, 28 minutes, and 38 seconds, awarded Zhenjun Marshall.

Junyue Zheng Repeats Last Year’s Victory

After the men’s podium was decided, the women’s race brought its own drama and emotion. Junyue Zheng (China) repeated her victory from last year, finishing in 92 hours, 24 minutes, and 55 seconds — a slower time than her previous win, but one she values more deeply.

“I value my success this year more than last year’s victory. Twelve months ago, the motto was ‘fast, fast, fast’. But this year, first place wasn’t even the main focus. I wanted to enjoy Ultra Gobi. I took photos, chatted with volunteers and friends along the route and was really happy in this unique landscape. This is the real Gobi!”

She smiled when recalling her mindset in the final stretch:

“Just under 40 kilometres before the finish line, I knew I was going to win. Sometimes I was in the flow; sometimes the saying applied: ‘If you face something strong, you get stronger.’”

Around two hours later, John William Carey and Lucy Schodell, both from the US, reached the finish line together.

Carey said:

“I’ve never felt better than I do right now. Lucy and I are like brother and sister; we run together a lot. When we signed up for the Ultra Gobi 400, we knew we’d be competing and enjoying the race together from start to finish.”

Schodell, who finished second in the women’s classification and seventh overall with a time of 94 hours, 27 minutes, and 58 seconds, added:

“I didn’t actually expect a podium finish. We worked hard throughout the race and enjoyed it at the same time. There were some difficult moments, too. The second night was very cold; we got lost in the mountains, climbed unnecessary elevation and saw a large lake that wasn’t marked on any map.”

The third step on the women’s podium went to Guo Yang (China), with Melissa Venables (UK) taking fourth.

The Spirit of Continuity

Among the finishers was Gong Ming Cheng, a 58-year-old runner from Fujian Province, who has completed every edition of the race — eight in total.

“This year felt more challenging than usual,” he said. “High mountains, deep valleys, desert terrain, and temperatures that made this one of the coldest Ultra Gobis ever — all of this made it tough.”

But pride quickly replaced fatigue:

“I’m happy and proud to be back here again, to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It’s incredible to see how Ultra Gobi has evolved. In 2014, there were just 13 of us who laid the foundation for this event. Ten years ago, there weren’t any races this long that required self-support. The official start may have been a bit bumpy, but the organizers have learned year by year, constantly improving, and now it’s a fantastic race — well done! I especially want to highlight the volunteers. In the beginning, they all came from China, but now the group has become a bit more international, and they’re all doing a wonderful job.”

From the host province of Gansu, He Zheng finished in eighth place. His race carried a personal dedication:

“My father died a few months ago, so I dedicate this race and this finish to him. My whole family has always been very supportive of my running.”

The Final Finish

When Wang Shouhui (China) crossed the finish line, the race officially came to an end.

“This course was truly challenging. Even though I gave it my all, there’s a quiet sense of loss in my heart — not because of the final ranking, but because I’m about to leave this beautiful place. It’s hard to say goodbye. I’m not ready to return to the city yet. I know I’ll miss everything about this place deeply.”

Nations, Numbers and Achievements

With one gold, one silver and one bronze medal each, the United States were the most successful nation, followed by China (one gold, one silver) and Serbia (one silver).

Almost every runner highlighted the dedication of the volunteers and support teams. From massages to meals, sleeping spaces to medical care, every detail was anticipated.

“We are very pleased that Ultra Gobi 400 has been so well received again this year,” said Qu Xiangdong, CEO of the organizing committee. “The 400 km run is just the tip of the iceberg of all the events we organize. Ultra Gobi celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and the international team events organized by business schools, which covered 121 km, were a great success, as were the individual races over 121, 29 and 17 kilometres. Although Ultra Gobi 400 is a top-level sporting event, we also see it as our duty to showcase the beauty of nature and protect the cultural heritage of this region. Ultra Gobi is thus an ambassador for the desert and a driving force for domestic and international tourism.”

Looking Ahead

At the closing ceremony, runners shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments of reflection under the vast Gobi sky. The desert had tested them all — and given them something in return: perspective, humility, and an enduring memory.

The date for Ultra Gobi 2026 will be announced soon.