The longest horse race in the world. A 1,000km multi-horse race across the epic wilderness of the Mongolian steppe.
The Mongol Derby is a self-guided 1000km adventure race cross the incomparable Mongolian steppe, one of the world's last remaining wildernesses and cradle of the largest land empire ever created under Chinggis Khaan. At the heart of the Mongol Derby is the horse station system, called Urtuus in Mongolian. Based on the Great Khaan's postal system which could relay messages at speed from the furthes
t corners of the empire, since 2009 the Mongol Derby has rebuilt this network to stage one of the most ambitious equine events in history. Participants are mounted on a series of native Mongolian horses, which are sacred in the enduring Mongolian nomadic culture. They eat and rest with nomadic families along the way, so experiencing Mongolia as it would have appeared in the time of the Great Empire. Integral to the event is an extensive back-up system providing medical, veterinary and communications support to the horses and riders, but all being well, riders are alone in the wilderness with their semi-wild steeds. This is a multi-faceted adventure, not just a horse race. Riders change horses every 35kms, ensuring that the horse power is always fresh and full of running, while they themselves are pushed to their physical limits. Riders need to look after themselves in extreme conditions, navigate independently, and overcome difficulties using their initiative. All of these elements combine to make the Mongol Derby the ultimate equine adventure, which entices the world's finest adventurers, riders and audience.
