Gobi March is a 250km / 7 stages ultra marathon in Hami, China. Distance: 250km. Elevation: 2,500m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 56/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 60h. Surface: sand. Established 2003.
Gobi March
Hami, Xinjiang, China
"250km self-supported through the Gobi Desert — extreme heat, sand dunes, and the Silk Road."
A 250km self-supported stage race through China's Gobi Desert — part of the legendary 4 Deserts Grand Slam series.
The Course
A 7-day, 250km self-supported stage race through the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. Part of the 4 Deserts series, the race crosses sand dunes, dried riverbeds, rocky desert, and gravel plains. Runners carry all their food and gear; water and tents are provided.
hilly
point-to-point
3
1,500m
Runner Experience
Self-supported race — runners carry all supplies. Checkpoints for timing and safety only.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
30°C
15° – 42°
15%
5%
Gobi Desert summer. Extremely hot during the day, cold at night. Sand and dust storms possible. Virtually no shade.
Stats & Records
2003
120
42:00:00
22:00:00
Rachid El Morabity (2019)
28:30:00
Fiona Oakes (2018)
Entry
$3400
August
months
Lore & Trivia
The Gobi March crosses 250km of the Gobi Desert in China — one of the most remote and extreme landscapes in Asia. The self-supported multi-stage format sends runners through wind-scoured gravel plains, red sandstone canyons, and the ruins of ancient Silk Road outposts. The Gobi is not a sand desert — it's a vast expanse of rocky steppe and wind-blasted terrain at 1,000-1,500m elevation, where summer temperatures soar and winter brings -40°C. The race connects runners to one of Asia's great historical landscapes: the route follows paths that Marco Polo, Genghis Khan's armies, and Silk Road merchants once travelled.
- ▸ 250km self-supported through China's Gobi Desert.
- ▸ Part of the 4 Deserts Race Series.
- ▸ The Gobi is rocky steppe, not sand — a common misconception.
- ▸ Follows ancient Silk Road routes — Marco Polo and Genghis Khan country.
- ▸ Extreme temperature variations: 40°C days, freezing nights.
- ▸ The race passes ruins of Han Dynasty watchtowers.
- ▸ One of the most remote races in the 4 Deserts series.
The Gobi is the desert you didn't know existed. Not sand dunes — endless rocky steppe under the biggest sky you've ever seen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Gobi March? +
Gobi March is a 250km / 7 stages (250km) ultra marathon with 2,500m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.
How hard is Gobi March? +
Gobi March is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 56/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 60 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Gobi March? +
Average temperature is 30°C (range 15°C to 42°C) with 15% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Gobi Desert summer. Extremely hot during the day, cold at night. Sand and dust storms possible. Virtually no shade.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Gobi March? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Gobi March? +
The men's course record is 22:00:00 set by Rachid El Morabity in 2019. The women's course record is 28:30:00 set by Fiona Oakes in 2018.
What is the average finish time for Gobi March? +
The average finish time is 42:00:00. About 120 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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