Thousands of runners set off across the Gobi Desert beneath ancient ruins — Ultra Gobi 121km team race.
The Run Show is thrilled to announce that Ultra Gobi, one of the world's most extraordinary endurance race series, will be joining us as an exhibitor at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, on 3–4 October 2026.
Born from the ancient Silk Road and inspired by the legendary pilgrimage of Tang Dynasty monk Master Xuanzang, Ultra Gobi is far more than a race series, it's a cultural movement. Since its inaugural event in 2006 in Dunhuang, China, it has grown into one of the most iconic endurance experiences on the planet, drawing over 79,000 cumulative entries and inspiring more than one million people to explore the Gobi Desert.
The series offers five distinct race formats to suit every level of ambition — from a 400km non-stop, self-navigated solo ultra to a one-day 17km cultural hiking experience. The flagship 121km team race, now in its 21st consecutive year, is renowned for its unique "Sixth Person Rule" — a scoring system that rewards collective strength over individual speed, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the Silk Road caravans that once traversed the same terrain. Participants have come from 99+ elite global institutions including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, National University of Singapore, and EMLYON Business School.
Left: The brutal solitude of the 400km ultra. Right: The 121km team race — strength in numbers across the Silk Road.
We look forward to connecting with global running professionals and enthusiasts at The Run Show Dubai, sharing the story of Ultra Gobi — a modern adventure on the ancient Silk Road!
— Ultra GobiThe impact of Ultra Gobi stretches well beyond the finish line. In 2023, UNESCO awarded the series its Heritage Education Innovation Award for its pioneering "heritage + sport" model. The race has helped boost Guazhou County's tourism revenue 80-fold since 2006, generating nearly ¥1 billion in local spending and supporting 98,000 jobs — proof that endurance sport can be a powerful engine for community and culture.
The 400km course winds through wind-carved canyons, glaciers, and UNESCO World Heritage sites across northwest China.
At The Run Show 2026, visitors will have the chance to meet the Ultra Gobi team, discover the race formats, and find out what it truly means to go beyond. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner hungry for your next great challenge, or simply curious about what lies at the edge of human endurance, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
3 & 4 October · Dubai
Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City · 8,000+ runners · 100+ global brands · World-class speakers