Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019

Essential Race Information

S
S
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 3
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ...................................................................................................... 4
Passports & Visas ................................................................................................................... 4
International Flights ................................................................................................................. 5
Luggage & Customs ................................................................................................................ 5
Transport to and from Chinggis Khan International Airport ...................................................... 5
Meeting Time & Place ............................................................................................................. 5
Competitor Briefing and Check-In............................................................................................ 6
Booking Contacts .................................................................................................................... 7
Race Itinerary .......................................................................................................................... 7
RACE INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 8
Course .................................................................................................................................... 8
Elevation ................................................................................................................................. 8
Terrain..................................................................................................................................... 9
Equipment ............................................................................................................................... 9
Official Rules & Regulations .................................................................................................. 10
Mandatory Paperwork ........................................................................................................... 11
Competitor Area .................................................................................................................... 11
Withdrawing from the Race ................................................................................................... 15
Timing Card .......................................................................................................................... 15
Awards Banquet .................................................................................................................... 15
POINT OF CONTACT .............................................................................................................. 15
General Enquiries ................................................................................................................. 15
Emergency Contact During the Race .................................................................................... 15
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION ................................................................................. 16
Medical Team........................................................................................................................ 16
Remote Location ................................................................................................................... 16
Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 16
Managing Water & Electrolytes ............................................................................................. 16
Medications ........................................................................................................................... 17
Painkillers.............................................................................................................................. 17
Antibiotics.............................................................................................................................. 17
Managing Sleep .................................................................................................................... 17
Vaccinations .......................................................................................................................... 17
MEDIA...................................................................................................................................... 18
Cybertent .............................................................................................................................. 18
Media Teams ........................................................................................................................ 19
Race Photos ......................................................................................................................... 19
Website Coverage ................................................................................................................. 19
Media Summary .................................................................................................................... 20
LOCATION .............................................................................................................................. 20
OTHER INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 23
Electrical Outlets ................................................................................................................... 23
Language .............................................................................................................................. 24
Money ................................................................................................................................... 24
Tipping .................................................................................................................................. 24
Work Week and Time Zone ................................................................................................... 24
Sunset and Sunrise ............................................................................................................... 25
ABOUT THE 4 DESERTS RACE SERIES AND RACINGTHEPLANET ULTRAMARATHON . 25

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 held in the beautiful, mysterious and nomadic country
of Mongolia! Whether you are a first-time or returning 4 Deserts or RacingThePlanet
Ultramarathon competitor, you are about to embark on an experience that you will remember for
the rest of your life. The seven-day, six-stage, 250 km footrace will bring together both first-time
as well as past RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts competitors. Competitors from more than 40
countries are expected to participate in the race which will take place from 28 July to 3 August
2019.

The Gobi March 2019 marks the race’s 16th edition and takes place for the second time in
Mongolia (the past 14 editions have taken place in the Gobi desert region in China).

This document will help you to plan for your journey. Below are the key points to know about
Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 as you prepare for the race.

Meeting time and place: The host town is Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia - which
translates as the “Red Hero”. This bustling city, known for its stark contrasts, is where you will
be able to experience the local culture of Mongolia while also seeing the busy life of the modern
day country. With a population of appropriately 1.3 million people, half of Mongolia’s population
lives in Ulaanbaatar. This means you will find an interesting mix of Mongolia’s 29 ethnic groups.
Their colourful culture and unique way of life make Ulaanbaatar a unique place in Central Asia.
Competitors must arrive at the event hotel, Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, in Ulaanbaatar by the
evening of Friday, 26 July 2019. All competitors will meet at the Official Race Briefing on
Saturday, 27 July.

Getting there and back: Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia. Almost all international
airlines will fly through Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, or Hong Kong in order to reach Ulaanbaatar.

The course includes varied terrain: The 250-kilometre / 155-mile course will take you through
beautiful landscapes, rough terrain and unique culture off the beaten track. The course is
primarily on tracks, trails and off-road. Terrain will consist of a combination of steppes, gravel
tracks, some steeper climbs and descents, small village roads, river crossings, and sandy
desert areas. The course does not include technical climbing.

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Weather can be extreme: Besides the pristine nature and vast wilderness that make Mongolia
one of the most interesting places to explore, the region is also known for its changing weather.
During the time of the race, temperatures could rise up to 30°C / 86°F at day time and drop to
5°C / 41°F at night time. The average temperature in July is approximately 20°C / 68°F. There is
also a possibility of rainfall during the race. The equipment list prepares you for all these
possibilities but please note this when making your personal choice of each item and whether to
bring any of the optional items.

Mandatory equipment is mandatory: If you do not have a mandatory equipment item then you
will receive a penalty and / or may not be allowed to start the race. Read the equipment list
thoroughly – this list will be finalised about two months before the race so ensure that you
review the list close to the start of the race.

Vaccines and medication: Basic vaccinations are recommended to be valid when traveling in
Mongolia. Rabies vaccination is not required but is recommended. Please refer to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention website which will advise you on required and
recommended vaccinations and medication for Mongolia, and read the full details of
vaccinations and medications in the Important Medical Information section, pages 17-18.

Mongolia experience: Mongolia is considered a developing country and you will not have
access to the resources you may be used to at home. This is what will make your journey
unique and unforgettable. The official language is Khalkha (or Mongolian). The main foreign
language spoken is Russian, followed by English.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Passports & Visas
Before making your travel plans you should check whether you need a visa to enter Mongolia as
a tourist. Note that to apply for a Mongolia visa you are generally required to have your flights
booked and you must arrive and leave from the country on the dates you have on your tourist
visa.

More information about visa requirement and application can be found online. However, entry
requirements, including visas, into Mongolia can change. We recommend that all nationalities
check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mongolia for visa requirements.

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International Flights
Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 participants are responsible for securing their own transportation to
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. International airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, Air China, MIAT, Hainan
Airlines and Korea Air, will fly through Moscow, Beijing, Seoul or Hong Kong in order to reach
Ulaanbaatar. Most international airlines fly to Beijing.

Luggage & Customs

It is not uncommon for airlines to lose checked-in luggage; therefore, we highly recommend that
you hand carry as much of your race gear as possible. In particular, this includes your running
shoes and clothing, backpack, sleeping bag, food items and electrolytes.

Please note that bringing food items, especially powders and gels, in their original packaging
will help you to get through Customs more easily. We recommend waiting until you are in
Ulaanbaatar to open, organise and package these items into Ziploc bags (if you plan to do this
for the race).

You will be able to leave luggage (one bag only) that you will not use during the race at the hotel
in Ulaanbaatar. Luggage will be returned to you at the hotel following the conclusion of the race.

Transport to and from Chinggis Khaan International Airport

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) is where you will fly into Ulaanbaatar. It caters for
international flights and is located approximately 18 kilometres from the city centre. There are
generally plenty of taxis available but you can also choose to book a car in advance through the
host hotel or through Discover Mongolia. A taxi from the airport to the city centre cost around
23,000 MNT (approximately US$9). Generally there are plenty of taxies available.

Taxis in Ulaanbaatar usually have a taxi meter; verify they do before getting in. Although
Mongolia is generally safe, make sure you take care of your valuables and keep all your bags in
sight when moving in the crowds and airports.

Meeting Time & Place

We are using two hotels in Ulaanbaatar to accommodate the race. Competitors are assigned to
the Blue Sky Hotel and Tower. All competitors need to arrive at the event hotel by the evening
of Friday, 26 July 2019.

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 Blue Sky Hotel and Tower
Address: Peace Avenue 17, Sukhbaatar District, 1 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 14240, Mongolia
Tel: +976 7010 0505
Email address: fbm@hotelbluesky.mn

Race Hotels
There are two hotels that we are using for the race:
• Blue Sky Hotel and Tower - competitors
• Khuvsgul Lake Hotel – staff and volunteers

These hotels are in close proximity to each other, and within a 5-minute walk.

Competitor Briefing and Check-In

The first official meeting, the Competitor Briefing, will take place on Saturday, 27 July at the
Blue Sky Hotel. All competitors are required to attend this briefing. Competitor Check-In will take
place immediately after the Competitor Briefing in the same venue.

During Competitor Check-In, all your mandatory equipment will be checked. You will also go
through checks to ensure that your required emergency contact and medical information is
completed, Liability and Intellectual Property waivers signed, and you will be required to sign an
agreement to agree to the Rules and Regulations. You can find all of these documents in the
Competitor Area of the website. Please read through them before arriving in Ulaanbaatar and let
us know if you have any questions.

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Booking Contacts
You may contact Discover Mongolia for additional nights of hotel accommodation and any tours
you plan to do before or after the race. Below are the contact details:
Phone: + 976 7012 0011
Email: info@discovermongolia.mn
URL: www.discovermongolia.mn
Race Itinerary
Airport:
Host Town
Event Hotel
Thursday, 25 July
Friday, 26 July
Saturday, 27 July
Sunday, 28 July
Monday, 29 July
Tuesday, 30 July
Wednesday, 31 July –
Thursday 1 August
Friday, 2 August
Saturday, 3 August
© Copyright RacingThePlanet Limited 2019. All rights reserved.
• Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN)
• Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia
• Blue Sky Hotel and Tower – Competitors
• Khuvsgul Lake Hotel – Staff & Volunteers
• Volunteers arrive at the Khuvsgul Lake Hotel (any time)
• Volunteers stay overnight at the Khuvsgul Lake Hotel
• Volunteer training (all day)
• Competitors arrive at the Blue Sky Hotel and Tower (any time)
• Competitors & Volunteers stay overnight at their respective
Event Hotel
• Competitor Briefing for ALL participants
• Competitor Check-In, including administrative, medical &
equipment review
• Lunch
• Depart for Camp 1
• Start / Stage 1
• Stage 2
• Stage 3
• Stage 4 (The Long March)
• Stage 5
• Stage 6
• Finish
• Transportation to Ulaanbaatar
• Awards Banquet
• Competitors & Volunteers stay overnight at the Event Hotel
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Sunday, 4 August • Departure (any time)
*Note that all times are approximate and may change

RACE INFORMATION
Course
The Gobi March course is located in the Karakorum region in Central Mongolia. The course
takes you through vast green grasslands, stupas and temples, sand dunes, great rock valleys
and old forests, and at times you may sleep in traditional Mongolian yurts (locally known as
gers). The Long March will take you through wide Mongolian steppes as you make your way
towards the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape and
further to the ancient city of Karakorum, the former capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. You can
also experience the colourful culture of the Naadam Festival during the time of the race.

Course Format
The format of the course of the Gobi March (Mongolia) follows a similar format to all races in the
4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series: 250-kilometer / 155-mile, 7-day, 6-stage, self-supported
endurance footraces. Competitors will go through a variety of terrain and scenery with many
highlights along the way.

Elevation
The Gobi March (Mongolia) course has a total of 4,450 meters / 14,600 feet of elevation gain
and 3,825 meters / 12,550 feet of elevation loss. The lowest point of the course is at 1,015
meters / 3,330 feet and the highest point is just under 1,765 meters / 5,791 feet. The average
elevation is approximately 1,500 m / 5,000 feet. The elevation chart is below:

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Terrain
The 250-kilometer / 155-mile course will take competitors through beautiful landscapes, rough
terrain and unique cultures off the beaten track. The Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 takes places
in the culturally rich and visually stunning area of Karakorum. The course is primarily on tracks,
trails and off-road which can be challenging at times. It includes single tracks through steppes,
fields and valleys, both soft and hard packed small dirt roads, soft dusty terrain, loose gravel
tracks, dry river beds and some river crossings – up to knee height depending on the weather in
the mountains before the race. Each area of the course has unique vegetation, wilderness and
natural beauty as far as the eye can see in the vast openness of the grassland, stupas, ger
villages and Buddhist monasteries.

Please read more information about the course on the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website.
The full details of the course will be given to you at the competitor check-in in Ulaanbaatar.

Equipment
All competitors are required to carry the mandatory equipment items. Competitors can carry
additional items but cannot carry less. If a competitor does not have all of the mandatory items
he or she may not be allowed to start the race or will incur a time penalty. The full equipment list
is available in the Competitor Area and on the Equipment page of the website. Small changes
may be made until the final equipment list is posted about two months prior to the race. The
Competitor Area also has a document, Equipment Frequently Asked Questions, which contains
answers to commonly asked questions about the equipment. It is important to start preparing
your equipment early so you can test it during training. You are required to carry a minimum of
14,000 calories for the race, plus an additional meal for Camp 1. Note that this is the bare

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minimum. It’s recommended to bring a little more – especially if this is your first 4 Deserts
ultramarathon.

As a reminder, race patches are considered mandatory equipment and are required to be on all
mandatory tops and the rain jacket. Competitors should read the Patch Placement Instructions
document in the Competitor Area of the website to confirm the placement rules. Patches can be
sewn or silkscreened on to competitor tops. Any competitor top worn during the race with
patches placed incorrectly, not secured well (safety pins are not allowed), or absent will result in
time penalties. Sleeveless tops and patches on arm bands that slide over shirts and jackets are
not allowed. Competitors will be penalized 15 minutes per day for each day the patches are not
correctly attached to clothing.

If you buy the jackets / shirts and nationality flag patches from RacingThePlanet, you can use
our Patch Stitching Service to receive the garment fully loaded with the correctly placed
and stitched patches.

There is a separate list of mandatory equipment that staff and volunteers must bring.

All items on the equipment list are available from the RacingThePlanet Store. All confirmed
competitors and staff of the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 are entitled to a 10% discount at
RacingThePlanet. If you do not have your discount code, email info@racingtheplanet.com to
receive it.

Official Rules & Regulations

It is essential that you read the Rules and Regulations prior to the race so that you are clear on
what is required of you, and to ensure you are aware of what you can and cannot do during the
race. Reviewing the Rules and Regulations will prevent misunderstandings which could lead to
time penalties against a competitor. Please pay specific attention to Article 23 which lists out
time penalties. This document can be found on the Rules and Regulations page and in the
Competitor Area of the website. All competitors must sign a form agreeing to the Rules and
Regulations at Competitor Check-In in Ulaanbaatar.

Note that this is a self-supported race and, therefore, it is against the rules to accept any outside
assistance. This includes charging any of your personal equipment, such as a camera or iPod,
with electrical sockets or accepting, swapping or buying food.

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Mandatory Paperwork
All competitors must complete the online Emergency Contact & Medical Form, submit the
Medical Certificate, a copy of the photo page of their passport and details of insurance that
includes cover for hospitalisation and emergency evacuation, before the start of the race. The
Medical Certificate requires a doctor’s signature confirming that the competitor is in good
general health or listing health condition(s) that our Medical Director should be made aware of.
If any of these documents is not received you will not be allowed to start the race.

Below is a summary of the online links where the required paper work needs to be submitted:
1. Emergency Contact and Medical Form
2. Insurance Details (upload)
3. Passport Copy (upload)
4. Medical Certificate (upload)

Competitor Area
The Competitor Area of the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website is where we post important
information and documents about the race. This area is solely for the use of official competitors
of the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 and is accessed by entering a username and password. If
you do not have these login details, please email info@racingtheplanet.com.

Below is a list of documents that can be found in the Competitor Area of the website. The first
section, under a tab labelled “Essential Information,” includes documents that competitors
should review thoroughly before the race: Essential Race Information (which you are now
reading), Equipment List, Patch Placement Instructions and Rules and Regulations.

A second tab, labelled “Mandatory Forms,” consists of forms that must be completed and
uploaded before the start of the race.

A third tab, labelled “Medical Articles,” includes selected Expert Advice articles from
RacingThePlanet. These articles have been prepared by sport, health, medical and equipment
professionals with whom we work to help competitors with training, equipment, nutrition and
injuries. Please read the expert advice articles and review a more complete set of articles on
RacingThePlanet. We strongly recommend that you read all of these documents well in
advance of the race as much of the information is relevant to you.

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Document Purpose
Competitors should read all documents in this
Essential Information
section.

Essential Race Information Includes important information including travel

arrangements, meeting instructions, hotels and notes
(this document) about the race.
Every competitor must read the Rules and Regulations.
Rules and Regulations You are required to sign to agree to them at Competitor
Check-In in Ulaanbaatar.
Lists the mandatory gear that every competitor must
Equipment List carry for the duration of the race. There is also a section
on optional equipment.
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about
Equipment Frequently Asked Questions equipment, food and electrolytes. Useful to read before
selecting equipment.
Specific instructions on attaching race patches to the
sleeves of your top. Competitors with patches that are
Patch Placement Instructions
not secured properly or are the wrong way around will be
given time penalties.

RacingThePlanet logo (JPEG) OPTIONAL: Provided for competitors that wish to

silkscreen the RacingThePlanet logo onto their race tops
RacingThePlanet logo (AI format for rather than using patches. Review the Patch Placement
designers) Instructions document for correct sizing and placement.
Competitors will not be allowed to start the race if
Mandatory Forms any of these documents have not been signed and
received.
Contains emergency contact, insurance and medical
Emergency Contact & Medical Form information. The online form must be completed and
submitted by Thursday, 23 May 2019.
Requires a doctor’s signature and stamp confirming that
the competitor is in good general health or listing health
Medical Certificate condition(s) that our Medical Director should be made
aware of. This must be completed and submitted
electronically by Thursday, 23 May 2019.
This can be sent in advance of the race to
Liability Waiver info@racingtheplanet.com or completed and signed at
Competitor Check-In in Ulaanbaatar.
This can be sent in advance of the race to
Intellectual Property Waiver info@racingtheplanet.com or completed and signed at
Competitor Check-In in Ulaanbaatar.
Insurance is mandatory. You will not be able to start the
race if you have not uploaded valid insurance details.
Competitors are required to have insurance that covers
Insurance Details
for medical evacuation and hospitalization. This must be
completed and submitted electronically by Thursday, 23
May 2019.

Passport Copy Please upload a copy of the photo page of your passport
to this link. This must be completed and submitted

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 electronically by Thursday, 23 May 2019.

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Medical Articles
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Cellulitis
Dehydration
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (muscle stiffness)
Foot Blister Prevention and Care
Heat Illnesses: (e.g. Heatstroke)
Hyponatremia
Hypothermia (Cold)
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB)
John Vonhof Answers Competitor Questions about Feet
Managing Sleep
Painkillers used during Ultramarathons
Patellar Tendinopathy
Plantar Fasciitis
Shin Splints
Sunburn
Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Expert Advice Articles
Clothing
Compression Garments
Debrief on Baselayers
Medical Studies on Compression Clothing
Gear
Choosing a Pack
Choosing a Pair of Running Sunglasses
Choosing Trekking Poles
Finding the Right Shoe for You
How to Care for Your Sleeping Bag
How to Choose a Headlamp
Understanding the Anatomy of a Sleeping Bag
What's in a Water Bottle?
Cooking & Sports Nutrition
Race Nutrition
Role of Electrolytes
Train Well, Eat Well, Race Well
Training & Competing
A Newbie's Guide to Ultramarathons
4 Deserts Info Session PodCast – great when you start planning for your training
Marshall Ulrich on Training for 100km
Preparing for a 250km Stage Race – great when you start planning for your training
The Benefits of Competing with a Friend
Charities
Top Ten Steps to Raising Money for Charity
Why and How You Should Fundraise
Creative Fundraising: Why you can’t sit back and expect the donations to roll in

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Withdrawing from the Race
If a competitor withdraws from the race, he or she will not be able to restart the race at any time.
Instead, the competitor will have the option of moving with the race staff from Camp to Camp or
returning to the host town. If the latter choice is made, we will assist in making arrangements but
travel is at the competitor’s own cost. A competitor must not leave the race without informing the
Event Director and signing a release form. Please note that competitors still in the race take
priority and that a competitor who has withdrawn may have to wait for transport off the course
(other than in an emergency situation).

Timing Card
The daily stages are recorded by using an electronic timing system. You will be given your
timing card at Competitor Check-In and must keep the card with you for the duration of the race,
swiping the card at both the start and finish lines of each stage. The timing card will allow us to
record and upload your results directly to the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website. We will also
continue to record times in the traditional way. If you lose your timing card, your times will still be
recorded. However, there may be a delay in updating your stage results on the website.

At the conclusion of the race, you will be asked to return your timing card.

Awards Banquet
The Awards Banquet will take place on the evening of Saturday, 3 August in Ulaanbaatar. The
Awards Banquet is included in the entry fee for competitors. Volunteers and staff are invited
without cost. Family members and friends who also wish to attend the banquet may purchase
an Awards Banquet Ticket through RacingThePlanet. The Awards Banquet is a dinner
celebration with the presentation of awards, a photo slideshow and a video summary from the
race.

POINT OF CONTACT
General Enquiries
For further information or to answer any questions you may have, please contact the Event
Director, Riitta Hanninen, at rhanninen@racingtheplanet.com.

Emergency Contact during the Race

In case of an emergency during the race, the management team can be contacted at
emergency@racingtheplanet.com . This email is checked minimum every two hours both on-site

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at the course and at our Hong Kong office – the office will know the best way to contact the
management team dependent on which stage of the course we are at. It is not possible to
provide a phone number as there is not always phone reception.

IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION

Medical Team
We have a fully qualified and experienced Medical Team, led by a Medical Director, from the
United States. Our medical team members, many of whom have worked on previous 4 Deserts
and RacingThePlanet Ultramarathons, are carefully selected through a rigorous application
process. Most of our doctors are specialised Emergency Room Physicians who have graduated
from the world's leading medical schools. You can read more about our Medical Team members
on the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website.

Remote Location
The course is located in an area where transportation to the hospital could take several hours.
For this reason, we encourage competitors to be very conservative in their approach to the
course, focusing on appropriate hydration, electrolyte management, nutrition and minimising
medications taken. The medical team makes the final decision on all medical-related issues,
including determining whether a competitor can continue along the course during the race.

Insurance
Insurance that includes emergency evacuation and hospitalisation during the time you are in
Mongolia, and especially during the race, is mandatory. We recommend researching insurance
policies carefully in order to choose one that offers coverage that is appropriate to you and
covers your participation in an endurance footrace. Contact us if you would like a
recommendation of a company that can provide this. You will not be able to start the race if you
have not provided valid insurance details.

Managing Water & Electrolytes

Managing water and electrolyte intake to maintain your electrolyte balance and prevent
dehydration during strenuous exercise is very important. Please read the expert articles on
hyponatremia, the role of electrolytes and dehydration. Make sure you test your electrolyte
intake in your training and fine tune it before the race. One of the mandatory items on the
Equipment List is a minimum amount of electrolytes.

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Medications
You should seek advice from your doctor about any medications, including any form of
painkillers, antibiotics and sleeping pills, which you plan to take during the race and during your
stay in Mongolia. To avoid complications, it is generally better to take medications with which
you are already familiar and have taken previously. Never take medication from other
competitors.

Painkillers
We do not recommend taking any form of painkiller during the race. If you do take painkillers,
Tylenol / Paracetamol / Acetaminophen are preferred over anti-inflammatory / NSAID
medications such as Ibuprofen / Neurofen / Advil / Motrin / Naprosyn and others. It is not
advised to take anti-inflammatory medication on the course as these medications are processed
through the kidneys and your kidneys will already be working hard to manage your levels of
water intake and dehydration. If you take anti-inflammatory medication, it should only be at the
end of the day at the campsite when you have had a chance to eat a full meal and rehydrate.
Please read the expert article titled Painkillers Used During Ultramarathons for more details.

Antibiotics
For competitors bringing their own antibiotics, we advise you to consult your doctor before the
start of the race. Before taking any antibiotics, or if you are already taking antibiotics or other
medications, please talk to our medical team in Mongolia.

Managing Sleep
It is not uncommon to have poor sleep due to jetlag and the new environment. The expert article
on Managing Sleep will provide you with tips on how to maximise the amount of sleep you get
during the race.

Vaccinations
There are certain vaccinations that are recommended to be kept up-to-date at all times, such as
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus, as well as vaccinations recommended
specifically for Mongolia. Please consult your doctor to find out more about these vaccinations.
You can also refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for travellers to
Mongolia.

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You will notice that the rabies vaccination is recommended if you are spending time outdoors in
rural areas. There are stray animals along parts of the course in Mongolia. Mostly these are
harmless, but if you were to be bitten by a stray animal, such as a dog, there is a possibility that
the animal has rabies. Given the remote location, it is advisable (but not mandatory) to get
vaccinated against rabies prior to travelling. The rabies vaccination requires 3 doses - the last
one is given 21 days after the first one, so make sure you arrange this early to allow time for the
full course before the race.

MEDIA
Cybertent
The Cybertent, a tent equipped with ruggedized tablets, is provided to offer an opportunity to
connect with friends, family and other supporters following you during the race. This small level
of interaction with the outside world can be a boost to those back at home eager to follow your
progress, and can provide you with additional motivation to battle on when things get tough. It is
not meant to take away from the race experience.

In the Cybertent, competitors can read emails that are sent through the Competitor List on the
Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website, write emails and blogs, and check results from the
previous stage. Due to the popularity of the Cybertent, participants have a 15-minute per
session time limit on the tablets / computers if the Cybertent is busy.

Reading emails and blog comments in the Cybertent during the race is free of charge; however,
to send emails and / or post blogs during the race you must purchase a Cybertent Package
through the RacingThePlanet Store. Each Cybertent Package costs US$50 and entitles the
competitor to send up to six emails or blog entries during the week (time limit of 15 minutes per
session). All Cybertent Packages must be purchased online before Thursday, 25 July 2019.
Cybertent Packages will not be available for purchase at Competitor Check-In and may not be
purchased after the race has started.

Steps to send a competitor email during the race:

1. Go to https://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/competitors or
http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/results
2. Find the person you are trying to contact
3. Click “Send an Email” next to their name.
4. Complete all the fields on the form and press the “Submit” button.

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 * Please note that emails are not private.

In order to post blogs during the race, competitors must also register for a blog before the start
of the race. Competitors can register for a blog by visiting the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019
Blogs page. Blogs can be read before, during and after the race by family members, friends,
colleagues and other visitors to the website. The blogs will also remain on the website in the
archives for future generations to relive your experience.

Media Teams
We have an official media team which focuses on content for the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019.
We can also host external media members at the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019. External
media members can apply to attend the race by completing an external media application.

If you would like to have personalised media coverage during the race, and would like to
receive more information, please contact Riitta Hanninen for more information at
rhanninen@racingtheplanet.com.

Race Photos
Official race photos will be taken throughout the week. A selection of official photos will be
posted on the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website and shown at the Awards Banquet at the
conclusion of the race. A complete set of official race photos will be available for sale through
RacingThePlanet. You can order a copy in advance or up to one month after the race.
Approximately 20 highlight photos will be sent to all competitors after the race.

Photo and video requests for local newspapers, magazines or websites that would like to cover
the race can also contact Riitta at rhanninen@racingtheplanet.com.

Website Coverage
We will be posting regular updates to the website during each stage – these are known as
Breaking News. These updates will keep family, friends and colleagues up-to-date on where
competitors are located along the course, highlights of the stage, weather conditions and other
items. At the end of each day, a Stage Update summarising the day, video clips and
photographs will be available on the website. Feature articles on specific competitors and other
aspects of the race will also be posted.

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Media Summary
• Follow the race on the official Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 website.
• Sign up for Breaking News.
• Read Gobi March (Mongolia) 2019 blogs and register for your own blog.
• Become a Facebook friend, tweet with us on Twitter, and follow us on Instagram and
YouTube.
• Let family, friends, colleagues and followers know how to email you during the race –
click “Send an Email” next to the person on the competitor list you would like to send a
message to.
• Purchase a Cybertent Package or pre-order the official race photos.

LOCATION
Mongolia is a land of raw wilderness and natural beauty as far as the eye can see in the vast
openness of the grassland, stupas, ger villages and Buddhist monasteries. The Gobi March
(Mongolia) 2019 takes places in the culturally rich and visually stunning area of Karakorum.

Competitors will have the opportunity to experience a diverse and varied course with highlights
including Karakorum, the 13th and 14th century capital of Genghis Khan’s Empire; the vast
steppe; the Orkhon River and the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, which is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Centre; as well as ancient ruins, temples and stupas. The terrain will
include grasslands, sand dunes, great rock valleys and old forests, while competitors will at
times sleep in traditional Mongolian yurts. Competitors can also experience a traditional
Naadam Festival, featuring Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery – known as the
“three games of men.”

The host town for the race is the capital city of Ulaanbaatar - which translates as the “Red Hero”.
This bustling city, known for its stark contrasts, is where you will be able to experience the local
culture of Mongolia while also seeing the busy life of the modern day country. You will have the
opportunity to visit, Gandantegchenling, which translates roughly as ‘the great place of complete
joy’ - Ulaanbaatar’s oldest and most iconic temple.

With a population of appropriately 1.3 million people, half of Mongolia’s population lives in
Ulaanbaatar. This means you will find an interesting mix of Mongolia’s 29 ethnic groups. Their

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colourful culture, unique way of life and lack of visitors from outside of Mongolia make
Ulaanbaatar a unique place in Central Asia.

Climate
Mongolia is known as “The Land of The Blue Sky” because it has over 260 sunny days a year.
However, the climate that an area experiences varies greatly depending on the specific location
due to the topography, which varies from plain, desert and mountain climates. The area
annually experiences temperatures of up to 50°C / 122°F in the summer and has been known to
drop to -40°C / -40°F in the winter.

Temperature: During the race, daytime temperatures typically range from 7-25°C / 44-77°F and
night temperatures from 0-7°C / 32-45°F. However, it could be warmer or colder during the
daytime and the temperature at night could drop below 0°C / 32°F.

Precipitation: Although July / August is generally dry in this area of Karakorum, rain may be
expected. It could be a light drizzle or a downpour - it is important to keep yourself dry by
wearing good quality rainproof clothing.

Culture
Competitors will obtain a rich cultural experience as the course passes through numerous
villages and homesteads of the local community. There are 29 ethnic groups in Mongolia. Brief
descriptions of two cultures are provided below, as well as the Khalkas who make up the
majority of the Mongolian population.

The Durbet
The Durbet are a Western Mongol tribe. They are primarily located in the western part of
Mongolia, near the border with Russia. In the early 1600s, most of their ancestors left their
homeland, Dzhungaria, which is now part of the Xinjiang region of China. In addition to raising
horses, most of the Durbet also raise cattle and sheep. Many of the Durbet live as nomads and
their lifestyle is one of seasonal migrations. Their dwellings are portable tents called gers or
yurts, made of felt on lattice frames. Their diet includes millet, milk tea, dairy products, mutton,
and kumiss, or fermented mare's milk.

The Kazakhs

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There are about 100,000 Kazakhs in Mongolia. The Kazakhs make up about 5% of the
population of Mongolia. They are excellent horsemen and have generally kept their nomadic
way of life. Many Kazakhs in Mongolia maintain traditional semi-nomadic herding by moving
with their animals several times a year, and living in a Kazakh-style ger (larger and taller than a
Mongolian ger) during the summer.

The Kazakh diet is primarily mutton, naan bread, and tea mixed with sheep or horse milk.
Mutton is often eaten in big chunks by hand and naan bread is dipped into tea with goat's milk.
The most visible expression of tradition one will notice is the world famous artwork of these
nomadic people of the steppe. Kazakhs are famous around the world for their intricately
embroidered wall hangings (tuskies) used on ger (yurt) walls. A typical ger may have five to
seven wall hangings that can each take 200 hours to hand stitch. The curving designs of the
wall hangings are patterned after goat horns which symbolize the primary source of wealth of
the nomadic herder.

The Khalkhas
The Khalkhas are the largest group of Mongols in Mongolia. They consider themselves the
direct descendants of Genghis Khan and, therefore, the true preservers of Mongol culture. The
Khalkha people represent over 80% of the population. Traditionally, most Khalkha lived in
mobile herding camps that were moved four or five times a year from one pasturage to another.
The traditional Khalkha dwelling was the circular felt tent erected on a collapsible lattice frame.
This structure - called a ger or a yurt / yurta (in Turkic languages) - is readily disassembled and
transported. In the late 20th century it was still a common form of housing in Ulaanbaatar where
population growth outpaced the construction of apartment buildings.

The Khalka diet consists almost entirely of meat milk, and other animal products. The most
popular drink is fermented mare’s milk, or airag.

Naadam Festival
Naadam Festival is considered an expression of nomadic culture and a celebration of a national
independence through traditional sports and art featuring Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and
archery – known as the “three games of men.” The origin of Naadam festival is directly linked to
the history of Mongolian military practice during the time of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan whose
selection of his key soldiers was based on series of physical tests. The leader of military groups
chose their warriors based on their strength, movement and flexibility revealed in their wrestling

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skills, their eye-sight and hand-orientation shown in their spear-throw and archery skills, their
patience and bravery exposed in their horse training, and horse racing skills during public
competitions. Before and after major battles, the three sports - wrestling, horseracing and
archery - were exercised as an organized event which later adopted its present name - Naadam.

MONGOLIA FACTS
Mongolia, historically Outer Mongolia, is a country located in north-Central Asia. It is roughly
oval in shape, measuring 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west to east and, at its maximum, 782
miles (1,259 km) from north to south.

Mongolia sprawls across an area almost three times the size of France / twice the size of Texas
and, at the same time, it has the world’s lowest population density. Doubled with the nomadic
nature of its people (which therefore means there are few cities or infrastructure) and their
Shamanic beliefs that prohibit interference with the environment, Mongolia’s nature and wildlife
remain well preserved and relatively undisturbed.

About 85% of the population are ethnic Mongols; they are primarily Khalkha, which account for
about 90% of all Mongols. The remainder include Durbet Mongols of the north and Dariganga
Mongols in the east. Turkic speakers (including Kazakhs, Turvins, and Khotans) account for
about 7% of the population. Other groups include those of Chinese and Russian origin.

Did you know?

There is a theory that Mongolian horseman may have invented ice cream when they took cream
in containers made from animal intestines as provisions on long journeys across the Gobi desert
in winter. As they galloped, the cream was vigorously shaken, while the sub-zero temperature
caused it to freeze. The expansion of the Mongol Empire spread ice cream through China, from
where Marco Polo reputedly brought the idea to Italy when he returned from his travels in 1295.

OTHER INFORMATION
Electrical Outlets
The voltage in Mongolia is 220 Volts (US/Canada are 110-120 Volts). We recommend you bring
with you a travel adaptor that can fit the types of plug socket below:

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Language
The official language in Mongolia is Kalkha. Dialects vary throughout the different regions in
Mongolia. People who work in the tourism industry do often speak some English but don’t rely
on this.

Money
The currency used in Mongolia is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT). For current exchange rates you
may visit www.xe.com. In Ulaanbaatar there are numerous ATM machines that will work with
Visa and Master Card-linked debit cards. Larger stores and restaurants are likely to accept
credit and debit cards for payment, but many will not. Cash is almost always needed to buy
handicrafts in the public markets. It is best to keep smaller amounts of cash with you at a time.

Tipping
Tipping in Mongolia is not required but if you feel the service was good and you want to show
your gratitude, tips are certainly appreciated.

• Restaurants: A recommended tip in restaurants is usually 10-15%.

• Taxies: Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped unless they perform some extra service
such as carrying your bags or luggage to your hotel entrance, etc.
• Porters: It’s polite to give a small tip to hotel porters.

Work Week and Time Zone

The work week in Mongolia normally runs from Monday to Friday. On the weekend, banks are
closed. Many larger shops, companies or tourist services are open on Saturday. There are two
time zones in Mongolia:

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 • UTC +7 HOVT Hovd Time
• UTC +8 ULAT Ulaanbaatar Time

Sunset and Sunrise

Ulaanbaatar area gets approximately 15 hours of sunlight per day in July / August. The sunrise
on the course is approximately at 05:20 and sunset at 20:30.

ABOUT THE 4 DESERTS RACE SERIES AND RACINGTHEPLANET

ULTRAMARATHON

RacingThePlanet’s 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series is a series of unique, rough-country

footraces that take place over seven days and some 250 kilometres / 155 miles in remote and
culturally rich locations around the world. Competitors must carry all their own equipment and
food and are only provided with water for drinking, tents for sleeping, and access to professional
medical and operations teams for support. The series is international; races typically involve
competitors from more than 40 countries who are able to mingle around the campfires and in
their geographically mixed tents.

The 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series includes the Namib Race in Namibia, the Gobi March
(Mongolia), the Atacama Crossing (Chile) and The Last Desert (Antarctica). In addition to the 4
Deserts Ultramarathon Series, there is a fifth race, called the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon,
which moves to a new location each year. RacingThePlanet Ultramarathons have previously
taken place in Vietnam, Namibia, Australia, Nepal, Jordan, Iceland, Madagascar, Ecuador, Sri
Lanka and Patagonia. The next RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon takes place in New Zealand in
March 2019.

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