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🗓️ OCTOBER 2 TO 4, 2026 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA
The Ultra Gobi A+ is a 121km nonstop solo race through the Gobi Desert, to be completed within 30 hours. Runners start in the morning, cross the desert through the night, and finish the next day. Since 2006, the A+ has attracted more than 200 runners per edition.
2026: A brand new course. This year's A+ takes a historic new route based on Master Xuanzang's return journey east, retracing the path the Buddhist monk walked after 17 years in India and Central Asia. The 2026 A+ runners will be the first to set foot on this course. It is a piece of Ultra Gobi history in the making.
At a Glance
Navigation: Self-navigated via personal GPS device
Support: Self-supported. Water at checkpoints and aid stations.
Terrain: Desert plains, gravel, sand, Silk Road heritage sites
Difficulty: Very demanding. Experience with long distance and overnight running required.
Participants: 200+athletes per edition
Distance: 121km
Format: Solo, nonstop
Cutoff: 30 hours
The Course
The 2026 A+ course is entirely new. It follows the path Master Xuanzang took on his return journey east, a route he walked over 1,300 years ago after spending 17 years studying in India and travelling through Central Asia. This course has never been used for any Ultra Gobi race before. The 2026 A+ runners will be the first to experience it.
The course is self-navigated. Runners use their own GPS device with coordinates provided before the race.
The terrain crosses the Gobi Desert landscape against the backdrop of the Northern Qilian Mountains. Expect varied surfaces: desert plains, gravel tracks, sandy sections, and passages through Silk Road heritage areas.
📎 GPX and KML files will be published before each edition.
On the Course
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The A+ is a self-navigated, self-supported race. Runners carry their own food and supplies.
There is a self-service aid station at approximately 40km, and a second aid station at approximately 80km. At the 80km aid station, private support is allowed: family and friends can be present to provide food, drinks, and encouragement.
Hot and cold drinking water is available at checkpoints along the course.
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All checkpoints are staffed with volunteers and race officials throughout the race, including overnight. Medical support is available on the course and at checkpoints.
Mandatory equipment rules are strictly enforced. Gear checks take place before and during the race. The required equipment list ensures runners are prepared for extreme temperature swings (up to 30°C difference between day and night) and the physical demands of an overnight desert crossing.
📎 The mandatory equipment list will be published with the Race Regulations.
Planning & Logistics
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Registration period: April 10 to July 15, 2026
October 2nd: Check-in and registration
October 3rd: Race start (morning)
October 4th: Cutoff. Award ceremony
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Participants arrive in Dunhuang one day before the race for check-in and registration. The Ultra Gobi team provides airport pickup and shuttle services.
After the race, runners gather for the award ceremony. The shared atmosphere after a night spent alone in the desert is one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
We recommend planning additional time in Dunhuang before or after the event. The region is home to the Mogao Caves (UNESCO World Heritage), the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, and a vibrant night market.
Registration & Pricing
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Included:
Race bib and race pack
Medal and finisher t-shirt
Communal tents, mats and drinking water at checkpoints
Drop-bag service
Airport pickup and dropoff from Dunhuang
Shuttle to and from race start and finish
Opening ceremony and safety briefing
Award ceremony
Professional race photos and videos
Not included:
Round-trip travel to and from Dunhuang
Accommodation in Dunhuang before and after the race
Personal food and supplies during the race (other than drinking water)
Personal expenses
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Eligibility:
Minimum age: 18 years
The A+ is open to all runners with demonstrated long-distance running ability. Starting in 2026, there are no restrictions on prior Ultra Gobi participation.
Specific qualification criteria will be published alongside the Race Regulations for each edition.
📎 Registration period: April 10 to July 15, 2026
2025 Race Highlights
Relive the action of the 2025 edition below or on our YouTube channel.
Destination
The race takes place near Dunhuang, in Gansu Province, Northwest China, about 2,000 kilometers west of Beijing. The region sits at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, where desert, oasis and centuries of history converge in one of the most compelling landscapes on earth.
Dunhuang is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from major Chinese cities. Travel time from Beijing is around three to four hours.
FAQs
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The 2026 Ultra Gobi A+ takes place October 2 to 4, 2026. Registration: April 10 to July 15, 2026.
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Yes. Starting in 2026, the A+ is open to all runners. You no longer need to be a Ultra Gobi A alumnus to participate.
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The 2026 A+ takes place on a brand new course based on Master Xuanzang's return journey east. This route has never been used before. The 2026 A+ runners will be the first to experience it.
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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.
