Race Structure

The Gobi March will be centred on the town of Dunhuang each year, but the course itself remains secret until the night before the race starts.

The total distance of the course is around 240 kilometres. This is covered in six stages over seven days - in a format quite similar to the Marathon des Sables in Morocco. There will always be a full Marathon (42km) stage and an 80 kilometres (50 mile) stage (which competitors are allowed 48 hours to complete). A roadbook will be given to competitors and the course will be well marked on the ground (so there is no need to navigate).

As a self-sufficient race, competitors are expected to carry all that they need, with the exception of water, for the duration of the race. This includes bedding equipment, survival equipment (see mandatory list in requirements below), spare clothes and any batteries, or for example camera
films that they wish to use. All food must be carried too. A minimum of 2000 calories per day is required by the organisers. This will be verified before the start of the race and penalties will be applied if it is not forthcoming.

Shelter and comprehensive medial coverage will be provided at the nightly bivouac. Tents, each sleeping 10 people, will be prepared for the runners' arrival at the end of each stage. There will be a medical tent at the bivouac, for the treatment of blisters and any more serious problems that
arise.

Runners receive a daily allocation of 9 litres of water (more on the 50-mile day). On arrival at the camp at the end of each stage competitors will be given a ration of water which must last them until the start of the race the next day. On the course itself runners will be given a bottle of water at each checkpoint. Checkpoints are spaced approximately 10 kilometres apart.

About one third of the course will be run over sand.