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🗓️ SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 4, 2026 | 📍 GOBI DESERT, CHINA
The Ultra Gobi C is a one-day hiking experience through the most iconic stretch of the Ultra Gobi course. It covers 17 or 30 kilometers along the ancient Silk Road, designed for low-intensity trekking and maximum cultural immersion.
This is not a race. It is a chance to walk through the same landscape that 400km ultra-runners and team participants experience, at your own pace, in a single day.
At a Glance
Navigation: Marked with flags throughout
Format: 1-day hiking experience
Distance: 17km (with option to extend to 30km)
Support: Water and snacks at checkpoints.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Terrain: Desert plains, gravel, sand, Silk Road heritage sites
The Course
30 kilometers through the heart of the Ultra Gobi course. Your trek, your choice: start with the 17km route, or extend to 30km for a fuller experience.
The route follows the footsteps of Silk Road travelers and passes through landscapes that have shaped centuries of exchange between East and West. Ancient ruins, desert panoramas, and the Northern Qilian Mountains in the distance.
The course is marked. Water and snacks are available at checkpoints.
On the Course
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Water and snacks are available at checkpoints along the course. The racecourse is marked and staffed with volunteers.
C participants join the broader Ultra Gobi event atmosphere: opening ceremony, the "Wonderful Life" Expo, and the chance to witness A and B team finishes at the Gobi Spring camp.
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The racecourse is marked and staffed with volunteers. Medical support is available. The C format is designed for all fitness levels with generous time allowances.
Planning & Logistics
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Sep. 27 to 30: Airport/station pickup. Arrival in Dunhuang
Sep. 28 to 30: Check-in, registration, "Wonderful Life" Expo
Sep. 29: Opening ceremony
Oct. 1: Trekking day (starts at 11:00)
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Participants arrive in Dunhuang two to three days before the trekking day for check-in, registration, and the opening ceremony. The Ultra Gobi team provides airport pickup and shuttle services.
The event program includes the "Wonderful Life" Expo, which brings together outdoor gear, lifestyle services, regional food and school exhibits.
We recommend extending your stay to explore Dunhuang: the Mogao Caves (UNESCO World Heritage), the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, and the city's famous night market.
Registration & Pricing
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Included:
Race bib and race pack
Medal and finisher t-shirt
Water and snacks at checkpoints
Airport pickup and dropoff from Dunhuang
Shuttle to and from event locations
Opening ceremony
"Wonderful Life" Expo access
Professional race photos
Not included:
Round-trip travel to and from Dunhuang
Accommodation in Dunhuang
Meals (except snacks at checkpoints)
Personal expenses
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The Ultra Gobi C has no fitness requirements. It is open to anyone who can comfortably walk 17 to 30 kilometers in a day.
Registration is through a business school or organization. There is no minimum number of participants per institution. If your organization has only one participant, that person can still take part. Individual registration without institutional affiliation is not available. For international participants, please reach out to ultragobiseries@gmail.com.
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Before 18:00 on July 15: Full refund. No administrative fee will be deducted.
From 18:00 on July 15 to 24:00 on August 9: A 10% administrative fee will be deducted from the registration fee.
From 00:00 on August 10 to 12:00 (noon) on August 28: A 30% administrative fee will be deducted from the registration fee.
After 12:00 (noon) on August 28: No refund will be issued.
Note: Refunds cover the principal amount only. Any remaining balance will be returned to the original remittance account, settled and refunded in RMB. Exchange rate fluctuations and transaction fees are the responsibility of the participant. The Organizing Committee is not liable for any interest on the refunded amount.
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 B takes place Sep. 27 to Oct. 4, 2026.
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The C format is designed for all fitness levels. If you can walk 17 to 30km at a comfortable pace, you are ready.
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Registration is through a business school or organization. Individual registration without institutional affiliation is not available. However, there is no minimum team size. If your organization has only one participant, that person can still take part.
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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.
