Marathon in Mongolia
Oliver Corff's Mongolia FAQ addresses a concern that we all share:
"Are there mobile (cellular) phone services available in Mongolia?"
Mongolia FAQ deals with matters that are important if you plan to enter the second annual Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 2000 42.5km marathon and 100km ultramarathon on July 6 around Lake Hovsgol, adjacent to Russia's Siberia. Located at 800 feet in the midst of 10,000-foot mountains (see Boojum Expeditions' map), the fresh water lake's shores are abundant with spruce forests, wildlife and grazing yak. The lake is the deepest in Central Asia, with pure, drinkable water.
Awakening from their gers (yurts) on the day of the race, the runners will follow along the lake and several lofty mountain passes before the finish. An awards dinner with lots of Chinghis Beer is held the following night in Ulaan Baatar.
The marathon is organized by a non-profit group of runners from Switzerland, Australia and the United States, in association with Mongolia's Hovsgol Travel. Medical support teams are provided. An 8-day package originating from the U.S. costs $2,780.
Although the winners of the 1999 races were both Mongolians, the participants seem to have had a grand time. "A premiere not to be missed1x I was often asked to name the race that I enjoyed most. My hesitation will from now on be replaced by a certitude: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset," says Henri Girault, the world's record holder (141) for 100km races finished.
The event coincides with the Naadam Festival to be held July 8 in Ulaan Baatar. Thousands of nomads in traditional dress are expected to gather in the country's capital city for a three-day program that includes horse racing, wrestling, archery and music and dance. (The festival is included in former Peace Corps volunteer Patrick's photo album, which also shows the Gobi Desert.)
Mongolian Points of Interest:
- The steppe of Mongolia's Hustain Nuruu is the site of the re-introduction of a herd of Przewalski horses. Conservationists in the Netherlands and Germany re-established the breed for release in the wild after the horse population dwindled to 15 in the early 1900s.
- Tourist Harold Christensen's photo album shows that he took the time to get to know the folks in Mongolia.
- The American Museum of Natural History digs for Dinosaurs in the Dunes of the Gobi Desert.
- Mongolia's Wild Heritage details the country's ecosystem, with pages and pictures on national parks and protected areas.
- Lonely Planet's Destination Mongolia describes the fiercely independent land of Genghis Khan. Lonely Planet readers recount their experiences in one of the last great adventure areas in Asia.
- The Mongolian National Tourism Centre lists tour operators.
Not Enough Of A Challenge? O.K., then how about . . .
. . . the 26.4m Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon planned for Nov. 4-11 in Sandakphu National Park, near Darjeeling, India. The race is called the most beautiful in the world by Runners World magazine because four of the five highest mountains on earth -- Everest, Lhoste, Makalu and Kanchenjunga -- can be seen at all times. American Patrick Campbell set a course record, 4 hours; 51 minutes, during the 2nd annual event held in 1996. A field of 10 entries ran a ridge bordering India and Nepal at altitudes from 11,815 to 10,900 feet. Runner Steven Seaton recalls the grueling course. The 8-day trip ($1,420, land cost) is based at Mirik Lake Resort.
By Luanne Axt
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