GOBI MARCH (MONGOLIA)
250 KM / 155-MILE, 6-STAGE ULTRAMARATHON

ULTRALITE (MONGOLIA)

21-27 June 2026

130

DAYS TO GO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Santosh THOMAS

Business

India, Resident in United Arab Emirates

Alejandro MANCEBON

Director Race CanfrancCanfranc an WMTRC2025

Spain

Gavin BLISSNER

Fire fighter

Australia

Susan BLISSNER

Retired

Australia

Christa ZOETEWEIJ

Semi retired

Netherlands

Tsz Hin CHAN

Student

Hong Kong, Resident in United Kingdom

Ekaterina THEISEN

Russian Federation, Resident in Singapore

Denise LEPORE

Retired Head Teacher

United Kingdom

Arsbold ERDENETSETSEG

Mongolia

Tsatsralt DORJSUREN

Mongolia

Marie-paule PIERSON

mosaic artist

France, Resident in United Kingdom

Vala KRöYER

Retired

Iceland

Yvonne LO

Marketing Consultant

Hong Kong

Marion HABERSETZER

Geotechnical engineer

Canada

Luke DIAMOND

Soldier

United States

Alex BELCHER

Information Technology

United States

Iris HO

Student

Malaysia, Resident in Singapore

Cheng ONG

Snr Document Control

Singapore

Suet Fong WU

Homemaker

Singapore

Janka DOLEZAL

Life Coach

Germany

Jacqueline EASTRIDGE

Teacher

United States

Antonio TEIXEIRA

Engineer

Portugal

Sandy KONDO

Japan

Carlos SPINELLI

Contador Publico - Empleado Bancario

Argentina

Max CASTIGLIONE

Supply Chain Graduate

United Kingdom

Michael THEISEN

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Germany, Resident in Singapore

Santosh THOMAS

Business

India, Resident in United Arab Emirates

Santosh Thomas brings decades of international experience, and a wonderfully easy going spirit, to the volunteer team at The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026. Originally from Kerala, India, and now based in Dubai, Santosh has spent much of his career working across the maritime world, a path that’s taken him through countless countries and cultures. He’s known for his friendly, flexible nature and for making strangers feel like old friends within minutes.

A natural communicator, Santosh speaks English, Hindi, Arabic, Malayalam, and Tamil, and he loves meeting people from every corner of the globe. He previously volunteered at the Sahara Race (Egypt) 2009, and he’s excited to return to the world of RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon events after many years.

When he’s not working or travelling, Santosh is often out on his motorbike, exploring new roads and collecting new stories. With his positive energy, calm confidence, and knack for bringing people together, he’s ready to contribute plenty of good vibes to The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026.

Alejandro MANCEBON

Director Race CanfrancCanfranc an WMTRC2025

Spain

Alejandro “Alex” Mancebon is from Spain, based in Canfranc Estación (Huesca), and is a highly experienced sports event organizer and communicator. Closely connected to the world of mountain sports and trail running in the Pyrenees, Alex is the director and driving force behind the CanfrancCanfranc race, one of Spain’s most iconic mountain running events. His work has helped bring international visibility to the region, including organizing top-level competitions such as world championships in trail and mountain running.

Passionate about sport, nature, and rural life, Alex combines his expertise in sports management with communication and the promotion of local development.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Alex’s first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, where he joins the volunteer course team, excited to share his experience and contribute to the smooth running of this iconic ultramarathon.

Gavin BLISSNER

Fire fighter

Australia

Gavin Blissner is from Australia and has spent 30 years working as a professional firefighter. After many years competing in nature-based endurance sports, he is now transitioning into volunteering, bringing with him deep operational experience and a calm, practical approach to challenging environments.

Throughout his career, Gavin has been actively involved in Search and Rescue operations during cyclones, earthquakes and other major natural disasters. He is currently the Acting Inspector for a country region in South East Queensland, a role that reflects his leadership, decision-making skills and ability to operate under pressure.

Alongside his wife, Susie, Gavin has competed in numerous multi-day adventure races, mountain biking events, 24-hour rogaines, and alpine climbing expeditions in New Zealand. These experiences have given him a strong understanding of endurance racing environments and the needs of competitors in remote settings.

Gavin is an enthusiastic and hardworking volunteer with extensive event experience. His roles have included Course Setter and Logistics Manager for the Untamed Border Run in Queensland for three years, Checkpoint Assistant at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko 2025, and Course Marker at Kunanyi Mountain Run in Tasmania in 2025. He has also spent many years organising mountain biking events, setting and administering rogaines, and supporting multi-day adventure races.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Gavin’s first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, and he is looking forward to contributing his experience, reliability and team-focused mindset to the event.

Susan BLISSNER

Retired

Australia

Susie Blissner is from Australia and is retired. After more than 35 years immersed in nature-based endurance sport, she is now scaling back from competing and enthusiastically transitioning into volunteering.

Susie’s sporting background is broad and impressive, including two decades of multi-day adventure racing, mountain bike orienteering and rogaining, alongside years of triathlon, ocean yacht racing, and ongoing pursuits such as snow skiing and sculling. Her experience in endurance environments has naturally led her into leadership and support roles within events.

She brings extensive volunteer experience, having served as Race Director for the Untamed Border Run in Queensland for three years, Checkpoint Lead at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko 2025, and logistics support at Kunanyi Mountain Run in Tasmania in 2025. Susie has also spent many years organising mountain bike events, setting and administering rogaines, and volunteering across numerous multi-day adventure races.

Professionally, Susie has worked in office management, payroll, executive assistance and administration, complemented by a wide range of hands-on and remote work roles. Practical, adaptable and hardworking, she is always willing to lend a hand wherever it is needed.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Susie’s first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, and she is excited to support the race with energy, experience and a strong team mindset.

Christa ZOETEWEIJ

Semi retired

Netherlands

Christa Zoeteweij is from the Netherlands and is semi-retired. Hands-on, true to her word, and driven to follow through on her goals, Christa brings a grounded and practical approach to everything she does.

Her professional life has included working closely with young people and later as a vegetable farmer - experiences that shaped her deep care for both people and the environment. With more than 20 years of running experience and three Camino de Santiago journeys completed, Christa has logged many meaningful miles outdoors.

A conversation about RacingThePlanet and the possibility of volunteering with Jo and Dean Scott three years ago planted a seed that has now come to life. Mongolia has long been on her wish list, and the chance to support competitors, work as part of a close-knit team, and experience the country first-hand was simply too good to pass up.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Christa’s first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, and she is very much looking forward to contributing to the race while experiencing the unique landscapes and spirit of Mongolia.

Tsz Hin CHAN

Student

Hong Kong, Resident in United Kingdom

Tsz Hin Chan is from Hong Kong and now lives in the United Kingdom. A true outdoors-first person, Hin spends most of his time in alpine environments, whether climbing in the Alps, solo bikepacking from Turkey to Italy, or trail running across Taiwan and France.

During high school, Hin was sponsored by Salomon Hong Kong as a trail runner for seven years, an experience that shaped his deep connection to endurance sport and outdoor culture. Curious by nature and a fast learner, he thrives on physical challenges and adapts quickly to new and unfamiliar environments.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Hin’s first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon event, where he joins the volunteer team as a member of the course team. He is especially excited by the chance to work outdoors alongside people from around the world and be part of the expedition experience from the inside.

Ekaterina THEISEN

Russian Federation, Resident in Singapore

Ekaterina “Kate” Theisen is based in Singapore. Originally from Saint Petersburg, Kate never thought about ultrarunning, or running at all, until 12 years ago when she watched the documentary "Desert Runners". It took 12 years, 3 countries, 2 kids, 1 husband, 1 global pandemic and volunteering twice at RacingThePlanet events (the Gobi March 2024 and the Atacama Crossing 2025) to finally do what seemed an unachievable dream - getting the courage and signing up for her very first ultra race. RacingThePlanet: Greece 2025 was Kate's first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon as a competitor. She returns to support competitors at the Gobi March with new found understanding and experience.

Denise LEPORE

Retired Head Teacher

United Kingdom

Denise Lepore brings a lifetime of leadership, global experience, and genuine warmth to the volunteer team at The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026. A dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, Denise grew up and completed her education in the U.S. before spending several years teaching in Germany, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. She moved to Britain in 1983, where she continued her career in both primary and secondary education, including work at The International School of London.

Driven by her passion for early childhood development, Denise went on to establish and manage her own nursery schools. Over 25 years, she led two highly multicultural nurseries with a team of 15 staff and around 100 children, later expanding her work to run outdoor-focused holiday programmes featuring hiking, camping, climbing and team-building adventures.

An adventurer at heart, Denise has completed an impressive list of long-distance journeys, including the Taurus Mountains in Turkey, the Indrahar Pass in the Himalayas, the 800-kilometre Camino de Santiago, Hadrian’s Wall, two separate walking expeditions in the West Bank—one as a group leader—and an extraordinary 3,200-kilometre walk from London to Jerusalem over five months.

With her deep cross-cultural experience, calm leadership, and love for the outdoors, Denise is a wonderful fit for the RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon volunteer community and a valuable addition to The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026.

Arsbold ERDENETSETSEG

Mongolia

Arsbold “Arsaa” Erdenetsetseg is a 34-year-old tech project manager from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Passionate about challenges and pushing boundaries, he’s built his career around solving tough problems and exploring new ideas. Taking on a 250 km ultramarathon felt like the perfect extension of that spirit, a chance to step away from the digital world and test himself in an entirely different way. Arsaa completed The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2025 as his first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, motivated not only by personal growth but also by a desire to support his wife and inspire his children. Their shared commitment and mutual encouragement have been central to this journey, and he hopes his example shows his kids that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

In 2026, Arsaa returns to the race as a volunteer, contributing his energy and resilience to help other competitors along their own Gobi March adventure.

Tsatsralt DORJSUREN

Mongolia

Tsatsralt “Tsatska” Dorjsuren is from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She completed The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2025 as her first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, taking on the challenge to prove to herself that she could reach the finish line. After losing her father, her greatest protector and supporter, Tsatska has been driven to honour his legacy through strength, perseverance, and self-belief. She hopes her journey will one day show her own children that hard work and consistency truly pay off, no matter the challenges life presents.

In 2026, Tsatska returns to the event for the first time as a volunteer, embracing the opportunity to support others on their RacingThePlanet journey.

Marie-paule PIERSON

mosaic artist

France, Resident in United Kingdom

Marie-Paule Pierson is a mosaic artist from France, now living in London, with 10 years of experience in the RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon community as both a competitor and volunteer. She has completed seven races, most recently RacingThePlanet: Greece 2025, and has volunteered at Atacama (2019) and Lapland (2022). Marie-Paule loves the camps’ atmosphere, the chance to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones, and the stunning landscapes, which inspire her mosaics and photography.

Familiar with the RacingThePlanet environment and many of the competitors, volunteers, and management team, she is hardworking, adaptable, and sociable, quickly learning languages and enjoying interaction with local teams. A dedicated volunteer, Marie-Paule especially enjoys sweeping, helping to ensure every race runs smoothly, while sharing her experience and passion with the race community.

Vala KRöYER

Retired

Iceland

Vala Kröyer is from Iceland and has spent her retirement travelling the world and embracing new experiences. Known for her warm, positive energy, Vala has a natural way with people - she’s a great listener, loves to lift others up, and enjoys connecting with everyone she meets. Hard-working, curious, and a fast learner, she thrives in environments where she can support others and learn something new along the way.

The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be Vala’s first time volunteering at a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, and she’s excited to bring her enthusiasm and joyful spirit to the event.

Yvonne LO

Marketing Consultant

Hong Kong

Yvonne is a regular Oxfam Trailwalker participant and has attended seven of the races. In addition she joined the volunteer team at the Gobi March (China) 2017 and Gobi March (Mongolia) 2018, and competed in the Marathon Des Sables in 2005. Yvonne is no stranger to ultra-marathons and we look forward to having her on the team at the Gobi March 2026.

Marion HABERSETZER

Geotechnical engineer

Canada

Marion Habersetzer is a geotechnical engineer from Canada, originally from France, and has lived in Canada for more than 10 years. An outdoor and wilderness enthusiast, she loves trail running and supporting trail runners. With over 10 years of experience managing field programs on remote mine sites, Marion is skilled at organizing, staffing, supplying, and troubleshooting in challenging environments. First aid trained and fluent in four languages, she brings a combination of technical expertise, adventure spirit, and a hands-on approach to volunteering at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026.

Luke DIAMOND

Soldier

United States

Luke Diamond is from New Orleans, United States, and is an ultrarunner, coach, and U.S. Army soldier. After earning a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota in 2019, he enlisted in Army Special Operations, with deployments to the Philippines, South Korea, and Mongolia, giving him extensive experience leading teams in international and remote settings.

Luke discovered long-distance running during the pandemic and has since completed 20+ half marathons, a treadmill marathon, and a 55K ultramarathon. He also coaches soldiers preparing for their first ultra. Combat first aid certified and experienced in off-road navigation, Luke combines his athletic insight with logistical expertise. Passionate about people and dedicated to supporting runners, he brings firsthand understanding of competitors’ needs, practical skills, and a friendly, adaptable approach to volunteering at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026.

Alex BELCHER

Information Technology

United States

Alex Belcher is from the United States and works in IT, specializing in cybersecurity. A climber, trekker, and avid traveler, he brings extensive outdoor and adventure experience to RacingThePlanet events. Alex currently volunteers at as many ultras, stage races, and adventure races as possible, and serves as a head official and regional coordinator with USA Climbing, managing events from local youth competitions to international World Cups. He has hands-on experience managing checkpoints, sweeping sections of courses, and driving vehicles on rough terrain.

Iris HO

Student

Malaysia, Resident in Singapore

Iris Ho is from Malaysia and currently lives in Singapore. A biomedical science student, she loves staying active and trying new experiences. Excited for her first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon volunteering adventure at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026, Iris enjoys sports like tennis and netball and looks forward to creating memories, embracing challenges, and discovering new places along the way.

Cheng ONG

Snr Document Control

Singapore

Jasmine Ong is from Singapore and will be volunteering for the first time at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026. Although new to formal volunteering, she brings a love of adventure and the outdoors, having climbed Mount Kinabalu, hiked in Sapa, Vietnam, and trekked in Bhutan and Nepal. Fluent in English, Malay, Chinese, and Cantonese, Jasmine is eager to contribute her energy and enthusiasm to support athletes and the RacingThePlanet experience.

Suet Fong WU

Homemaker

Singapore

Suet Fong Wu is from Singapore and will be volunteering for the first time at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026. A homemaker for more than 10 years, she is now eager to spend her time traveling and giving back through volunteering. Having lived in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK, Suet Fong is proactive, outgoing, and fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Bahasa Melayu. She looks forward to supporting athletes and contributing to the RacingThePlanet experience with energy, enthusiasm, and a global perspective.

Janka DOLEZAL

Life Coach

Germany

Janka Dolezal is a life coach from Cologne, Germany, helping people heal childhood trauma and live prosperous, fulfilling lives. The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be her 13th RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon, having previously volunteered at Namib Race (Namibia) 2022 & 2024, RacingThePlanet: Lapland 2022, Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2022 & 2023, Gobi March (Mongolia) 2023–2025, The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2024, The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2024, and RacingThePlanet: Greece 2025.

Full of energy, positivity, and determination, she brings support and strength to every event - is it even a RacingThePlanet event if Janka isn’t there?!

Jacqueline EASTRIDGE

Teacher

United States

4 Deserts Club member Jacqueline Eastridge returns to the volunteer team for Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026. Jacqueline is not only an impressive careerwoman and a successful endurance athlete but she most recently was Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia followed by a teaching stint at an international school also in Mongolia. In addition to completing the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, Jacqueline has finished RacingThePlanet: Iceland 2013, RacingThePlanet: Greece 2025, Primal Quest Race and the Trans Alpine Run as well as high altitude climbs in Switzerland, France and Germany and a 16-mile swim in Tampa Bay, Florida. She was a member of the Team USA Dragonboat Team which competed in the World Championships in Shanghai, China; Berlin, Germany; Sydney, Australia; and Szigid, Hungary. Fluent in English and German and adept at working in international locations and under pressure, Jacqueline will no doubt be a valuable team member this year again assisting with operations at the Gobi March.

Antonio TEIXEIRA

Engineer

Portugal

Antonio "Brito" Teixeira is a mechanical engineer from Portugal who also has experience organising trail running events in Portugal and Cape Verde. The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 is his second experience at a RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon after also volunteering in the Atacama in 2025.

Sandy KONDO

Japan

Sandy Kondo from Japan has volunteered at nearly twenty RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Races - she also raced in RacingThePlanet: Jordan 2012 and Madagascar 2014. Sandy worked for the South African Embassy in Tokyo before retiring in 2023 and has managed the RacingThePlanet office in Japan for more than ten years. She is a natural organizer with a flair for multi-tasking.
Kind and generous, Sandy is one of our best known cheer-leaders and has assisted dozens of 4 Deserts and RacingThePlanet competitors in preparing for the races. She also works and volunteers at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, Tokyo Marathon in Japan and, most importantly, multiple 4 Deserts / RacingThePlanet events.

Carlos SPINELLI

Contador Publico - Empleado Bancario

Argentina

Carlos Spinelli is 59 years old and from Argentina. He has played basketball since childhood and began trail running at age 40, participating in numerous races with his wife both in Argentina and abroad, including in India, Spain, and Mexico. As his wife, Patricia Anconetani, will be competing in The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026, Carlos is eager to join her as a volunteer for the event. Having taken part in many trail races himself, he understands the needs of runners and is enthusiastic about contributing to the success of the race and supporting the athletes.

Max CASTIGLIONE

Supply Chain Graduate

United Kingdom

Max Castiglione is from the United Kingdom and works as a Supply Chain Graduate at PepsiCo, where he’s gaining broad experience through short rotations across different roles in the snacks industry. These fast-paced placements have helped him quickly adapt to new teams, develop strong leadership skills, and make decisions under pressure. Outside of work, Max is super active and passionate about triathlons, cycling, trail running, and hiking in incredible places around the world. The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 will be his first time volunteering at a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon.

Michael THEISEN

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Germany, Resident in Singapore

Michael Theisen is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Technical Manager from Germany. With a passion for aviation and a keen eye for detail, he excels at overseeing technical operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Michael is also a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, enjoying mountain biking, road cycling, and hiking, although he might have to put his bike aside to pursue his ultimate goal of competing in a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon one day!

For the second time, Michael has been inspired by his wife Kate, also a member of the volunteer team, to join the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2026 — having volunteered together at the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2025. Physically fit, handy with repairs, and experienced managing multicultural teams, Michael brings energy, skill, and dedication to supporting competitors on their RacingThePlanet journey.

GOBI MARCH (MONGOLIA) 250 KM / 155-MILE, 6-STAGE ULTRAMARATHON

ULTRALITE (MONGOLIA)

DAYS TO GO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

Santosh THOMAS

Business

Alejandro MANCEBON

Director Race CanfrancCanfranc an WMTRC2025

Gavin BLISSNER

Fire fighter

Susan BLISSNER

Retired

Christa ZOETEWEIJ

Semi retired

Tsz Hin CHAN

Student

Ekaterina THEISEN

Denise LEPORE

Retired Head Teacher

Arsbold ERDENETSETSEG

Tsatsralt DORJSUREN

Marie-paule PIERSON

mosaic artist

Vala KRöYER

Retired

Yvonne LO

Marketing Consultant

Marion HABERSETZER

Geotechnical engineer

Luke DIAMOND

Soldier

Alex BELCHER

Information Technology

Iris HO

Student

Cheng ONG

Snr Document Control

Suet Fong WU

Homemaker

Janka DOLEZAL

Life Coach

Jacqueline EASTRIDGE

Teacher

Antonio TEIXEIRA

Engineer

Sandy KONDO

Carlos SPINELLI

Contador Publico - Empleado Bancario

Max CASTIGLIONE

Supply Chain Graduate

Michael THEISEN

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Santosh THOMAS

Business

Alejandro MANCEBON

Director Race CanfrancCanfranc an WMTRC2025

Gavin BLISSNER

Fire fighter

Susan BLISSNER

Retired

Christa ZOETEWEIJ

Semi retired

Tsz Hin CHAN

Student

Ekaterina THEISEN

Denise LEPORE

Retired Head Teacher

Arsbold ERDENETSETSEG

Tsatsralt DORJSUREN

Marie-paule PIERSON

mosaic artist

Vala KRöYER

Retired

Yvonne LO

Marketing Consultant

Marion HABERSETZER

Geotechnical engineer

Luke DIAMOND

Soldier

GOBI MARCH (MONGOLIA)
250 KM / 155-MILE, 6-STAGE ULTRAMARATHON