From September 28 to October 4, the first ultra-long-distance top-tier cross-country running event in China, the "inaugural 800 Li Desert Ultra," is set to officially commence.Top cross-country running athletes from around the world willcompete in a showdown in the Mogao Desert of Guazhou, Gansu.Recently, the organizing committee announced this edition’sslogantheme: "800 Li Hero's Route." ThisSslogan vividly captures the essence of the 800 Li Desert Ultra’s course—a heroic path stretching 800 li, and a tribute to every competitor who dares to tackle this grueling 800-li journey.
Where does the "800 Li Hero's Route" come from?
The race route of the 800 Li Desert Ultra is set in the Mogao Desert at the border of Gansu and Xinjiang—historically known as the "800 Li Desert." Over 1,300 years ago, Master Xuanzang endured life and death here, eventually vowing, "I would rather die heading west than live returning east." Though he "went without water for four days and five nights, nearly perishing," he pressed forward fearless. Master Xuanzang is the "backbone of the Chinese nation" and a "hero of the Chinese people." This great stretch of land, where he once wavered, faced mortal peril, and ultimately achieved perseverance and transcendence, is undoubtedly a hero's route.This legendary route, where he hesitated, faced near-death, and ultimately transformed through perseverance, is unquestionably a hero’s path.
In the 800 Li Desert Ultra,the 800 Li Legion—comprising over fifty top international ultrarunners and elite domestic athletes—will also tread this800-liHero's Route,pushing their limits and surpassing themselves through the run.
Where does the hardship of the "800 Li Hero's Route" lie?
The course of the inaugural 800 Li Desert Ultra traverses the only national-level extremely arid desert ecological reserve in the world. 80% of the route lies within desolate, uninhabited areas, featuring diverse and challenging terrains such as Gobi, yardangs, hills, saline-alkali land, sand dunes, canyons, glaciers, rivers, and alpine meadows.
The course spans three counties and cities in Gansu: Guazhou, Dunhuang, and Subei, where climatic conditions are extremely volatile. Guazhou is known as the "World Wind Depot," with recorded maximum winds of up to Force 12. The area has seen historical extremes of 42.8°C and -29.1°C, with temperature differences exceeding 70 degrees Celsius. It is truly apt to describe it as:"Blistering hot winds by day, cutting cold gales by night."
Faced with such harsh natural conditions, all participants must navigate self-guided, carry their own gear, manage their own supplies, and complete the 800-li desert crossing within the 150-hour cutoff time.This is undoubtedlya grueling and unforgiving journey, and every athlete brave enough to take on the course deserves applause simply for their fearless courage.
How does the "800 Li Hero's Route" prove itself?
The organizing committee has chosen the uniquely Chinese General’s Tiger Tally as the finisher’s medal for the 800 Li Desert Ultra. Each medal is split in two—competitors receive one half before the race and earn the other upon completion. This means only those who obtain the complete medal can prove they have successfully conquered the 800 Li Hero's Route. Such a creative and meticulously designed concept shows the great effort the organizers put into crafting a one-of-a-kind premium event.
To honor the champion’s outstanding performance, the organizing committee, in collaboration with the Guazhou cultural heritage authorities, will also present the winning athlete with a unique gift: designating a newly discovered Tang Dynasty beacon tower as the "800 Li Champion Beacon." In future editions, the name of each champion will be permanently engraved on this beacon and the structure will be named after the champion, enshrining their legacy in the event’s history.
The "800 Li Hero's Route" is a physical journey that pushes beyond the body’s limits and a spiritual quest that transcends the self. It is believed that every participant in the 800 Li Desert Ultra will emerge from this journey with a stronger self, having undergone a rebirth.
It is reported thatthe organizing committee will also hold a runners' meet-up in Beijing on September 24. At the event, top domestic and international ultrarunners participating in the 800 Li Desert Ultra will gather in the capital to promote the race, engage in close communication with trail running enthusiasts, share experiences, and answer questions.