20 years of the most remote and beautiful ultra-trail running, 20 years of charity for Hovsgol National Park and its population: The anniversary Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) 42km and 100km trail run took place in early August at the shores of mighty Lake Hovsgol in Northern Mongolia. Runners from no less than 15 countries took part in this exceptional challenge and witnessed first-hand why MS2S is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful trail runs on the planet: Lakeside trails, windblown lowlands, craggy mountain passes, mossy fairy-tale forests and meadows full of wildflowers. The runners pass by wild yaks and horses. Mongolian horsemen serve as race marshals. Jun Matsumoto from Japan claimed the 100km victory in 12:37 hours. Among the ladies, Austrian Cornelia Oswald was the fastest (16:04 hours) to overcome the very challenging ultra-distance with an accumulated elevation gain/loss of 3.375m.
Register now for 2019!
Registrations for the 2019 edition of MS2S – a proud member of the International Trail Running Association ITRA – are now open; click here to secure a slot. This unique Mongolian adventure will take place in the week of August 3-9, 2019. In the days before and after the race day (August 7), the participants stay at a picturesque camp at the gorgeous Lake Hovsgol, sleep in traditional Mongolian “Gers”, enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing and daily yoga sessions. They also get in touch with the local population and get a glimpse into their unique nomadic lifestyle. The race itself is as challenging as it is beautiful: The accumulated elevation gain/loss in the marathon distance is more than 2.200 meters, in the 100km ultra run it is 3.375 meters. Still, everybody with a strong spirit and good training can complete the race. The cut-off time – for both 42km and 100km – is 18 hours.
Race director Nicolas Musy: “MS2S is more than just a race. MS2S offers a full week in one of the world’s most pristine and untouched areas, a week of exploration and adventure – it is an eye-opening experience.” Early-bird travel packages are available until end of February 2019. The race is limited to 100 runners so you better sign-up fast.
Run to protect the nature
With the proceeds of the event, the organizers support charity initiatives in the National Park. “The Hovsgol Lake area is a paradise on earth. Our goal is to keep the National Park as clean as it is, and to support the inhabitants so they can continue their unique way of life – and be proud of it”, says Musy. Through the ecoLeap foundation, garbage trucks are bought, park rangers hired, eco-friendly garbage bags provided. The MS2S organizers also raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection trough TV ads and educational projects.
“It was an outstanding event – not to be missed. I have often been asked to name the race that I enjoyed most. My previous hesitations to name my favorite event are now replaced by a certitude: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset.”
– Henri Girault – World Record Holder for the Greatest Number of completed 100km races (600+)
Itinerary:
Saturday Day 1
Meeting point details will be announced late June 2019
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB) of participants travelling directly to UB or via Beijing (departure the day before from Europe). After arrival in UB, departure of scheduled flight to Khatgal/Moron on the Southern tip of Lake Hovsgol. Transfer via jeep and vans to Camp Toilogt. Evening arrival in Camp Toilogt. Assignment of gers and welcome dinner.
Sunday Day 2
Acclimatization day for participants in Camp Toilogt. Possibilities include horseback riding, fishing, trekking and familiarization with the course.
Monday Day 3
Acclimatization day. Possibilities include horseback riding, fishing, trekking and familiarization with the course.
Tuesday Day 4
Acclimatization day. Possibilities include horseback riding, fishing, trekking and familiarization with the course.
Wednesday Day 5
RACE DAY.
Thursday Day 6
Rest day. Award Ceremony and party in the evening. Preparation for add-on horse trek for those who stay on.
Friday Day 7
Return to UB via jeep/van and aircraft. Dinner with whole group and transfer to hotel
Saturday Day 8
Departure of participants from Mongolia and end of the Package.
