It has been reported that the first “Silk Road Badaling Desert Ultra” will officially take place from September 26 to October 6, 2015. As China’s first ultra-long distance cross-country race, it covers a total distance of 400 kilometers—equivalent to four “HK100” races or ten marathons. The entire course is non-stop for 24 hours, self-navigated, self-supported, self-carried, and self-resupplied, traversing the world’s only national-level extremely arid desert ecological reserve (a no-man’s land), using your feet to explore the natural splendor of China’s deserts and Gobi, and to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Han and Tang dynasties.
The glory of the champion!
The champion who breaks the race record will receive a special gift: the Silk Road Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Guazhou Cultural Heritage Protection Department, will designate a newly discovered Tang Dynasty beacon tower as the “Badaling Desert Ultra Champion Beacon,” naming it after the champion until the record is broken and the title is passed on.
Of course, this is a journey that goes far beyond distance—it is a life experience richer than any challenge. This run will offer an extraordinary physical and mental experience for off-road running enthusiasts from all over the world—whether you are a professional athlete or an amateur expert, as long as you have the courage and ability—to forge an indomitable self.
A 1 in 50 chance
The “Silk Road Badaling Desert Ultra” officially opened global registration on March 1, 2015. Due to the unique nature of the event, the organizing committee will limit the number of participants. After registration and review, 50 team members will be selected by lottery from the eligible applicants to officially compete.
The basic requirements for participants are as follows:
First, participants must be between 18 and 60 years old. They must have had no history of the following illnesses within the past year: heart disease (including but not limited to congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, etc.), myocarditis, coronary artery disease, severe arrhythmia, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes with high blood sugar, and other diseases unsuitable for strenuous exercise.
Second, within one year prior to the registration date, applicants must have at least one of the following: completed a 100-kilometer non-stop race within 24 hours; or completed a non-stop race of 150 kilometers or more within the specified time.
Race Information
Organizational Structure:
Organizer: Beijing Xingzhi Exploration Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
Co-organizers: Beijing Xingzhi Exploration Event Management Co., Ltd. and Gansu Silk Road Culture Development Co., Ltd.
Technical Support: Neusoft Group Event Division
Race Schedule:
March 1–26, 2015: Online Registration
March 27–31, 2015: Review and Lottery Draw
April 1–30, 2015: Payment and Confirmation
September 26–October 6, 2015: Official Race Dates
Prizes:
Awards will be given based on finishing rankings: Men’s and Women’s Champion, Runner-up, and Third Place;
All finishers will receive a medal, certificate, and finisher’s shirt;
Registration Fee:
Participation fee: USD 3,500 per person;
The registration fee includes: event training, rescue services, medical support, body transport fees, cultural heritage protection fees, shuttle buses, rest stops and checkpoint construction in the no-man’s land, event support staff, and event ceremonies such as the Flag-Raising and Flag-Lowering Ceremonies;
Stay tuned to the “Badaling Express” subscription account for the latest updates on the race.