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🗓️ SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 4, 2026 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA
The Ultra Gobi A is the original event that started it all. For two decades, teams from the world's leading business schools have gathered in the Gobi Desert to cover 121 kilometers together over four days. It is a team race in the truest sense: the team's official result is determined by the finishing time of the 6th member to cross the line. Nobody gets left behind.
Over 20 editions, the event has attracted 99 top business schools from Asia, Europe and the Americas, with more than 207 teams and 79,000 participants.
At a Glance
Format: Individual stage race (4 days, 3 nights).
Daily cutoff: 6 to 8 hours per stage
Navigation: Marked with flags throughout
Support: Full camp support. Meals, water, medical, tents provided.
Stages: 4 stages, each between 25 and 35km
Distance: 121km
Difficulty: Challenging but accessible. Built for committed participants of all fitness levels.
Terrain: Desert plains, gravel, sand, Silk Road heritage sites
The Course
Starting in 2026, the A, B and C formats share the same 121km course. Teams start each morning and complete their daily stage before the cutoff.
The route was mapped in collaboration with archaeologists and scholars and has been recognized as a "Linear Cultural Heritage" by local authorities. It passes through the historic site of Suoyang City, connects Silk Road heritage sites, and crosses the Gobi landscape against the backdrop of the Northern Qilian Mountains.
Each stage is between 25 and 35km. The course is marked with flags. Terrain includes firm desert plains, gravel tracks, and sandy sections.
📎 GPX and KML files will be published before each edition.
On the Course
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Each night, a complete mobile campsite is built along the course. Over 700 tents, 2,000+ staff members, a 10,000 sqm site with a power system exceeding 800 kilowatts. Everything is disassembled and moved the next day, leaving no trace.
Facilities include eco-friendly toilets, coffee service, massage and sports rehabilitation. An equipment expo is set up in camp for on-site resupply.
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Buffet breakfast and dinner at camp. Packed lunch to carry during the day. Fruits and snacks at larger checkpoints. Local specialties include lamb stew, beef noodles, grapes, Hami melon and Li Guang apricots.
All ingredients are purchased fresh and transported directly to the course and camp.
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The racecourse is marked with flags. Checkpoints are staffed with volunteers and race officials. Medical support is available at checkpoints and at camp.
Each team includes a designated team physician or medical assistant who holds a medical license and provides medical support throughout the event.
Professional sports rehabilitation therapists are available in camp each day.
Planning & Logistics
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Sep. 27 to 30: Airport/station pickup. Arrival in Dunhuang
Sep. 28 to 30: Check-in, registration, team leader meeting, "Wonderful Life" Expo
Sep. 29: Opening ceremony
Sep. 30: Business School Dean's Forum
Oct. 1 to 4: Stage race (4 stages)
Oct. 4: Award ceremony
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The Ultra Gobi A experience stretches beyond the four race days. The full program includes a welcome reception, opening ceremony, the "Wonderful Life" Expo (outdoor gear, lifestyle services, regional food), and a Business School Dean's Forum.
After the final stage, all teams gather for the award ceremony. The shared moment of completing the journey together is the heart of the event.
Participants only need to arrange their travel to and from Dunhuang. The Ultra Gobi team handles airport pickups, shuttles, and all on-site logistics.
Registration & Pricing
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Included:
Race bib and race pack
Medal and finisher t-shirt
Tent accommodation at desert camps (3 nights)
All meals during the race (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
Water and snacks at checkpoints
Drop-bag service
Airport pickup and dropoff from Dunhuang
Shuttle to and from race start and between stages
Opening ceremony, award ceremony, expo
Sports rehabilitation services
Professional race photos and videos
Not included:
Round-trip travel to and from Dunhuang
Accommodation in Dunhuang before and after the race
Personal expenses
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The Ultra Gobi A is organized through participating institutions (universities, business schools, corporate teams). Teams register through their institution's organizing committee.
Team composition: 6 to 10 members per team. Team result is determined by the finishing time of the 6th member.
Categories: EMBA, MBA, Open, Executive Education (EE), Geyou Alumni, Corporate, Brand, International
For international teams: Contact us at ultragobiseries@gmail.com.
2025 Race Highlights
Relive the action of the 2025 edition below or on our YouTube channel.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
Destination
The race takes place near Dunhuang, in Gansu Province, Northwest China, about 2,000 kilometers west of Beijing. The course retraces the footsteps of Master Xuanzang, the Buddhist monk who crossed this very desert on his pilgrimage to India over 1,300 years ago.
Dunhuang is easily accessible by air from major Chinese cities. Travel time from Beijing is around three to four hours.
FAQs
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The 2026 Ultra Gobi B takes place Sep. 27 to Oct. 4, 2026.
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The Ultra Gobi A is a team event. Individual registration is not available. If you are interested in an individual format, consider the A+ (121km, nonstop) or B (121km, stage) formats.
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Yes. International universities and organizations are welcome. Contact us at ultragobiseries@gmail.com.
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The A format is designed to be challenging but accessible. Stages are 25 to 35km per day with cutoffs of 6 to 8 hours, which allows for a mix of running and trekking. Teams with mixed fitness levels can succeed if they prepare together.
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Weather in the Gobi around Dunhuang in early October is typically cool and dry with occasional strong winds. Average temperature around 19°C, with highs reaching 28°C during the day and lows dropping to -3°C at night. Temperature swings of 30°C within a single day are common. Mandatory equipment rules are strictly enforced to keep participants safe.
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Citizens of 50 countries, including most EU member states, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Canada and several Gulf states, can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. All other nationalities require a Chinese tourist visa (L-visa). Check current requirements at visaforchina.org.
