What Can We Expect From the Inaugural RacingThePlanet (UltraLite) Mongolia?

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Imagine waking to the vast, open expanse of the Mongolian steppe, the sun spilling over sand dunes and distant mountains with a day of glorious running or hiking (heavy pack free) ahead of you. This is what a day in the life of an UltraLite competitor will feel like - a taste of ultramarathon adventure, paired with the freedom to move at your own pace.

The inaugural UltraLite (Mongolia) invites runners to join the seven-day journey alongside the legendary Gobi March, but with a flexible twist. Each day offers the choice of 10 or 20 kilometers, and if needed, you can even skip a Stage. Cover at least 50 kilometers over the week, and you’ll earn a finisher’s medal - a tangible reminder of your adventure across one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Despite the lighter format, the environment is no less dramatic and will cover the most scenic spectacular sections of the full Stage. You’ll weave through emerald grasslands, towering rock valleys, sand dunes, and ancient forests, passing stupas, temples, and the ruins of Karakorum, the former capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. At times, you’ll rest in traditional Mongolian gers where the scent of felt and the quiet of the desert provide a striking contrast to the day’s exertion.

Equipment is lighter: your backpack must stay under 32 liters, and while your essential emergency gear stays with you, the bulk of your kit is transported for you between Camps. This means your focus can remain entirely on running, exploring, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Mornings are unhurried. You’ll have the chance to witness the full Gobi March start line, then embark on your own adventure to the starting checkpoint after a scenic, if occasionally bumpy, ride through the steppe. Each evening, your tent mates will be fellow UltraLite competitors, sharing stories and laughter around the campsite as the desert sky deepens to a canvas of stars.

UltraLite (Mongolia) is a chance to experience the local culture, wildlife, and the camaraderie that defines the RacingThePlanet spirit. From the battlefield of Genghis Khan to the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon Valley, every step reveals history, beauty, and the thrill of the open horizon.

For those seeking adventure without the full ultramarathon intensity, UltraLite offers a perfect blend of endurance, exploration, and community in one unforgettable week.