Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset

Website: www.ultramongolia.org
E-mail: information@ultramongolia.org
Phone: Shuree: +976 9199 8898

Who they are

Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MSS) aims to preserve Hovsgol National Park by promoting it as an eco-tourism destination to an environmentally aware and culturally open public and also by sponsoring various protection and clean-up efforts in the park. MSS aims to do so by providing an international standard ultramarathon race. It is a race set in a unique national park with rare flora and fauna in one of the most beautiful natural environments of the world. Whilst offering a challenging competition, the race also aims to preserve the beauty of the setting and to promote local cultural identity. The park has two small Mongolian towns as well as scores of local nomadic groups and families, and therefore any conservation efforts must go hand in hand with these local users of the park.

The event aims to contribute as much as possible to the local economy and to raise awareness among locals that standards of living can best be raised by preserving the park and the local culture. MSS have achieved this by engaging the local community in the event. This can range from hiring help in setting the course to hiring local doctors to supervise aid stations. MSS are also actively encouraging locals to participate in the race. In setting the course, MSS has sought to minimise the impact on the natural environment; one example is the use of bio-degradable green paint to mark the course. MSS also uses local resources to the greatest extent possible instead of imported products.

What they do

Since MSS started their project in 1999, they have donated two ZL-130 dump trucks for waste transportation, and two bicycles to the Hovsgol National Park administration. They have employed three rangers, distributed up to 20,000 environmentally friendly garbage bags each year to people visiting the park, and organised a number of educational activities in schools and local communities to educate and build awareness around the importance of protecting the environment. MSS also collaborate closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Nature.

What they offer

Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset Ultramarathon 100km and 42km race, 17-24 July 2010
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is an annual event that allows runners to experience some of the most spectacular and pristine trail running in the world, as well as an opportunity to visit Mongolia – the land of Genghis Khan, nomadism and infinite wilderness. Whether you come to challenge the Mongolian champions over the 100km distance or to challenge yourself in trekking your first Alpine marathon, Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset offers you a week of discovery and exploration. All proceeds go to preserve and enhance the fantastic local nature and culture.
Add-on Package
17-31 July 2010 Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset and Camp Toilogt: This add-on package features 7 days in a comfortable ger camp by Hovsgol Lake with horse riding, trekking, kayaking and fishing opportunities after the race week.
Add-on Package
17 July- 31 July 2010 Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset and Hovsgol Horse Trek: This add-on package features 7 additional days riding with a professional horse guide and camping in the mountains along Hovsgol Lake after the race week.

Location

The start and finish of the race is at Camp Toilogt, located on the shore of Lake Hovsgol on the northern border of Mongolia adjacent to Russian Siberia. For those checking out a map it is 700km northwest of the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbataar.

View on Google Maps

What you need

- Hat
- Sun cream
- Lightweight rain gear (top and pants) is mandatory, prior to and during the race
- A clothesline comes in handy for drying wet garments in the gers
- Warm clothes are recommended for chilly evenings
- Luggage with a lockable compartment (and a lock) is recommended for the storage of valuables
- water bottles or a camel back with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters
- Electric torch

Accommodation & Amenities

Accommodation will be at a top-quality hotel in Ulaanbaatar and in comfortable triple or quadruple-occupancy gers or wood cabins at Camp Toilogt. Single occupancy accommodation is also available in Ulaanbaatar for an additional charge. Camping tents will be supplied at no additional cost should single occupancy be necessary in Camp Toilogt.
Normal facilities at Ulaanbaatar and there are comfortable faciltities at Camp Toilogt such as hot showers.
At Camp Toilogt there is solar electricity.
Full meals will be provided, including western-style breakfast, packed lunches and dinner, tea and coffee. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available in Ulaanbaatar and in Camp Toilogt for purchase for an additional charge.
Race Only Package – UB (Ulaanbaatar) Departure: US$ 1,480 (adult); US$ 880 (children from 2-12 years); US$ 300 (children under 2 years).
Race Only Package – UB Departure and Camp Toilogt Add-on Package: US$ 1,970 (adult); US$ 1,230 (children from 2-12 years); US$ 400 (children under 2 years).
Race Only Package – UB Departure and Hovsgol Horse Trek Add-on Package: US$ 2,070 (adult); US$ 1,570 (children from 2-12 years).
Companions for UB, Beijing packages pay US$100 less or may donate this amount for our non-profit projects.
Volunteers for UB, Beijing packages pay US$200 less or may donate this amount for our non-profit projects.
3rd time (or more) participants for UB packages pay US$100 less or may also donate this amount for our non-profit projects.
- The above packages include all flights/chartered flights/boats etc. between the package departure location and the race course at Camp Toilogt in Lake Hovsgol National Park in northern Mongolia, as well as all hotels/sleeping arrangements and meals in Mongolia.
- The packages do not include visas to Mongolia (single entry) or the People’s Republic of China (double-entry necessary for transit through Beijing); flights to the departure location; any airport taxes incurred during the whole trip; or any add-on travel options.