MR’s Adam Ellis looks at the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100km
What?
A 100K trail route through a country that probably isn’t your strongest trivia subject. But once you’re surrounded by Mongolia’s scenic majesty you’ll quickly envisage its running possibilities. EcoLeap, the organisers of Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S), place a large emphasis on the conservation work they do – after all the nation famous for Genghis Khan is yet to familiarise itself with tarmac, healthcare or sewage plans. If you’re a philanthropist you will certainly discover an affection for this ultra event.
When?
5 August 2015.
Where?
Hovsgol National Park is in northern Mongolia, around 300 miles from the capital Ulaanbataar.
What sort of terrain?
Varying between delightfully hard ground, gravel tracks and savage trails of mud. August is summer time in Mongolia with temperatures averaging 15C-17C, but it also accounts for the second highest monthly rainfall of the year; 2014 was a washout.
An elevation gain of 3,365m owes itself to two climbs, the last being the lesser of two evils. The first is an ascent of the Chichee Pass (elevation 2,300m), a leg burner that, once scaled, allows for a brief respite, before heading uphill to the Khirvesteg Pass. At the 40K mark, the hills disappear into plains for a flat second leg of the race.
How long?
You will be given 18 hours to complete the 100K.
How much?
Mongolia isn’t blessed with 21st century transport links, so a travel package remains your best option. £1191 will buy you transport to/from the airport and 7 nights of accommodation in a traditional ger in a campsite metres away from the Lake Hovsgol basin. Leisure activities include fishing, horse riding and trekking as you acclimatise to the area’s mild altitude.
Flights and daily budget included, the cheapest total you will spend is £2200.
What is the record?
10hrs 3mins, set in 2012 by Florian Vieux.
What else should I know?
Access to Mongolia should be applied for through communication with the State Frontier Guard Authority. It’s probably best to get in contact with the Mongolian embassy in Kensington, London.
Also, be sure to enter prior to March as registration after this date will incur additional charges.
How do I enter?
