Event

Registration Open UTMB® Index · 20K, 50K

The Mars Race

Run on Mars. Discover the Gobi.

October 02 – October 04, 2026 · Omnogobi, Mongolia · 50 / 20 KM

Announcement

UTMB®
Index Race

UTMB® Index · 20K, 50K

The Mars Race is officially a UTMB® Index Race in the 20K, 50K category. Run Mongolia has joined the global circuit.

What this means for you

By finishing The Mars Race, you will officially earn your UTMB® Index. This index is your passport to the world's most prestigious trail races and is used to determine your start wave and entry eligibility for UTMB® World Series events.

Uncompromising Challenge.
Globally Recognized.

About The Race

Chapter II Of Run Mongolia

Omnogobi, Mongolia · 50 / 20 KM · Crimson sand dunes, desert basins, technical sandstone canyons

Distances

120 places across all distances combined — 57 still open.

Desert 50

Designed for experienced trail runners and endurance athletes seeking a true test against the elements.

Distance 50 km
Vertical 355 m↑
Start 05:00
Cut-off 10 h
Aid stations 3
Elevation profile

Rolling terrain with steep sandstone climbs and deep sand sections

Flaming 20

A fast, scenic and challenging course tailored for trail enthusiasts and fast-paced runners.

Distance 20 km
Vertical 250 m↑
Start 05:00
Cut-off 5 h
Aid stations 1
Elevation profile

Moderate desert trails and canyon passages

The Course

Desert 50

50 km · 355 m↑

The Course

Flaming 20

20 km · 250 m↑

Packages

Both packages are available on either distance. Pick the distance you want to run, then the package you want to run it on.

All Inclusive

Everything from the moment you leave Ulaanbaatar: transport both ways, accommodation and food at Base Camp, and the post-race feast.

Entry 999,000₮ · $280
  • Official Race Bib
  • Finishers Medal & Finisher Shirt
  • Race Package
  • GPX Route Files & Digital Race Guide
  • Comprehensive On-Course Medical Support
  • Hydration and Fuel Stations along the route
  • Post-Race Celebration Feast at Base Camp
  • After Party at Base Camp
  • Official Event Photography & Video Content Access
  • Transportation from/back UB
  • Accommodation
  • Food

Race only

The race itself, for runners making their own way to Bayanzag. Includes After Party participation.

Entry
Desert 50
499,000₮ · $140
Flaming 20
419,000₮ · $120
  • Official Race Bib
  • Finishers Medal & Finisher Shirt
  • Race Package
  • GPX Route Files & Digital Race Guide
  • Comprehensive On-Course Medical Support
  • Hydration and Fuel Stations along the route
  • After Party at Base Camp
  • Official Event Photography & Video Content Access

Challenges

Side competitions held at the event, each with its own entry. Your race registration stays exactly as it is.

"T31 Games" Crossfit Challenge

One workout on Mars — a CrossFit throwdown with Functional Fitness T31.

  • Buy-in: 2.5 km run
  • 50 push-ups
  • 50 dumbbell snatches
  • 50 burpees over dumbbell
  • 50 dumbbell thrusters
  • 50 dumbbell overhead squats
  • Buy-out: 2.5 km run
  • Men: 22.5 kg dumbbell · 9 kg weighted vest
  • Women: 15 kg dumbbell
Entry 55,000₮ · $16 The Mars Race participants only

Every entry fee goes to the prize pot — one man and one woman take it all.

Schedule

1

Friday, October 2, 2026 (Race Eve)

06:00
Depart to Bayanzag
13:00
Lunch
14:00 – 18:00
Athlete Check-in & Mandatory Gear Inspection (Base Camp, Bayanzag)
18:30 – 19:30
Technical Briefing & Q&A
19:30
Pre-Race Dinner
2

Saturday, October 3, 2026 (Race Day)

04:30
20/50KM Runner Line-up
05:00
20/50KM Race Start
10:00
20KM Course Cut-Off Time
15:00
50KM Course Cut-Off Time
17:00
Awards Ceremony & Victory Banquet
3

Sunday, October 4, 2026 (Post-Race Day)

07:00
Breakfast at Camp
07:30
Depart to UB

Mandatory Gear

Hydration

Capacity to carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of fluid

Navigation

Watch or smartphone with the stage GPX files downloaded

Safety Equipment

Emergency whistle, emergency blanket and basic first aid kit

Lighting

Headlamp

Food

Minimum 500 kcal emergency food reserve

Sun Protection

Sunglasses, hat/buff and sunscreen

Registration & Requirements

  1. Age Limit

    Must be 18 years or older on race day. Runners aged 16–17 are accepted for the 20KM with parental consent.

  2. Medical Clearance

    All participants must sign the medical form and liability waiver before bib pick-up.

  3. Registration Deadline

    September 26, 2026, or when the cap of 120 runners is reached.

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