Mandatory & Recommended Equipment for 2025 Ultra Gobi 400 KM
Every runner at Ultra Gobi 400km must carry the required equipment at all times. These items are essential for safety, survival, and fair competition in the extreme conditions of the Gobi Desert and will be checked carefully before the start and during the race.
Please read carefully: no item may be omitted or substituted unless explicitly stated.
Mandatory Equipment Provided by the Organizers
(to be carried at all times)
2 × Racing bibs
2 × Timing cards
GPS tracker
2 × Ultra Gobi race patches and national flag patches
Mandatory Equipment Prepared by Runners
(to be carried at all times)
Backpack – must have enough capacity for all required gear
Hiking poles
Hydration system – minimum 2 L capacity
Sleeping bag – comfort temperature must include -5°C
Headlamps – 2 units, minimum 80 lumens, plus spare batteries for 70 hours (batteries may be stored in drop bags, but enough for each stage must be carried)
Satellite communication device - All participants are required to carry a "satellite mobile terminal" that is applicable in China and has the functions of Tiantong satellite communication and Beidou satellite messaging. This can be a mobile phone with satellite communication capabilities or a satellite phone that requires batteries. During the race between rest stations, participants must carry the "satellite mobile terminal" with them at all times and ensure its continuous and normal operation. In addition, if a participant chooses to use a satellite phone that requires batteries, they must carry spare batteries. It is not mandatory to carry the spare batteries at all times, and participants can choose to place them in the drop - off boxes.
Power bank – minimum 5000mAh remaining capacity at departure from each rest station
Dedicated handheld GPS device – not mobile phone–based, with batteries for 150 hours (spares can be stored in drop bags, but enough for each stage must be carried)
Medical kit – including disinfectant wipes, emergency blanket, bandages, anti-diarrheal medicine, painkillers, personal medication (if needed), lip balm, SPF 50 sunscreen, plasters or tape (kinesio tape recommended). Must be sufficient for 7 days.
Food – minimum total of 25,000 kcal (will be checked and counted), with at least 2,000 kcal in the backpack when leaving each rest station
Windproof jacket or shell
Down jacket – minimum 800 fill (or equivalent such as Engine Bird Alpha 5.0 thermal jacket)
Cap or visor
Warm hat
Emergency whistle
Flashing light with spare batteries
Multi-tool / Swiss army knife
Sunglasses
Full-finger gloves
⚠️ Food Calorie Policy for Non-Packaged Items
Applies to loose or homemade staple foods (e.g. steamed buns, naan, pastries) without nutrition labels.
Calorie calculation:
Items ≥100 g count as 100 kcal each
Items <100 g are not counted
All such items will be weighed and recorded before the race. Calories will be added toward the mandatory 25,000 kcal minimum if they meet the requirement.
Recommended Equipment
(may be carried or stored in drop bags)
Chopsticks, bowls, or other compact tableware
Earplugs – highly recommended for better rest at stations
Emergency mirror – useful for signaling in rescue situations
Compass - can also be carried instead of stored
Trail running shoes
Spare pair(s) of running shoes
Vaseline or anti-chafing cream
Buff (for wind and sand protection)
Waterproof bags or plastic bags
Electrolytes
Energy gels
Warm socks, running socks, and spare pairs
Gaiters
Arm warmers
Short-sleeve running tops / t-shirts
Long-sleeve running top and running tights
Trousers
Drop Boxes
The race committee will provide official drop boxes and labels. Batteries, food, clothing, and other recommended items may be stored here, but all mandatory equipment must remain with the runner at all times.
This list is binding for all participants. Please prepare carefully and test your equipment before arrival in the Gobi. The equipment will be check multiple times before and during the race.
