Go beyond: Five races, thousands of years of history beneath your feet

Towering sandstone canyons, a lush oasis valley and ancient kingdoms whose traders connected Arabia, Africa, and Asia long before the modern world drew its borders. AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is one of earth's great hidden places, and in January 2027, it becomes the newest destination of the Ultra Gobi Series.

The Destination

Located approximately 300 kilometres north of Medina, AlUla lies along the ancient Incense Road and later routes of pilgrimage to Makkah, and its historical significance as a trading hub is evident from the myriad of caravans that once traversed the landscape. These routes enabled the transport of Chinese silk and ceramics to the Arabian Peninsula, and Arabian frankincense amongst other precious goods, to China. The race will pass through this landscape of desert valleys, oases and monumental rock formations.

January is the finest time to be here. Daytime temperatures average 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F). Nights drop to 3 to 7°C (37 to 45°F). Clear skies throughout.

The Races

Five race formats suitable for athletes and explorers of all levels. All participants share the check-in day on January 13 and the opening ceremony. All formats start with the world-famous Elephant Rock, AlUla.

• Ultra Gobi AlUla 400km
• Ultra Gobi AlUla A+ (121km)
• Ultra Gobi AlUla A (121km, 4-days, team race)
• Ultra Gobi AlUla B (121km, 4-days, stage)
• Ultra Gobi AlUla C (30km, 1-day)

Ultra Gobi AlUla 400km: The Ultimate Desert Expedition

400 kilometers (249 miles), solo, self-navigated, self-supported. The race starts on January 14 and has a 139-hour cutoff. This is the same legendary nonstop format that has been run in the Gobi Desert since 2015, now on the Arabian Peninsula for the first time. Participants navigate by personal GPS device and carry their own supplies between rest stations spaced approximately every 40km. Only 50 starting slots. Prize money awarded in men's and women's categories.

Format

• 400km nonstop
• Individual race
• Self-navigation
• Self-supported
• Multi-day continuous effort

Who It's For: Elite ultrarunners seeking one of the most demanding endurance experiences in the world. The 400km race represents the highest level of Ultra Gobi challenge.

Qualification required: Finisher certificate for one 160km+ nonstop trail race within the official cutoff, completed since January 1, 2025.

Ultra Gobi AlUla A+ (121km, nonstop): Speed, Strategy, and Adaptation

A 121km nonstop individual race where runners must complete the course within a strict cutoff time while navigating independently across the desert landscapes of AlUla. Participants move from daylight into darkness and back into sunrise again, crossing ancient caravan routes and dramatic sandstone terrain in a continuous push forward.

Format

• 121km nonstop
• Individual race
• Self-navigation
• Nonstop endurance format

Who It's For: Experienced ultrarunners looking for a high-intensity desert challenge with a strong competitive focus.

Qualification required: Finisher certificate for one 100km+ nonstop trail race OR two 50km+ trail races within the official cutoff, completed since January 1, 2025.

Ultra Gobi AlUla A (121km, 4-day, team race): The Legendary Team Race

The signature team event of the Ultra Gobi Series. Teams of 3 to 5 participants race across four days and 121km (75 miles) of desert terrain. The team result is determined by the finishing time of the third member to cross the line. Strategy, pacing, and looking after your teammates decide the outcome. Full camp support with meals, tents, and logistics provided each night.

Format

• 121km over 4 stages
• Team race
• 3 to 5 participants per team
• "Third Person Rule"
• Daily camp experience

Who It's For: Teams seeking a meaningful endurance experience built around collaboration, leadership, and shared achievement.

Ultra Gobi AlUla B (121km, 4-days, stage): A Personal Journey Across the Desert

121 kilometers over four stages as a solo format. The same four-day structure as the A format, at your own pace. Stages are 25 to 35km with generous daily cutoffs, accessible to trekkers and runners of all levels. Full camp support with meals provided each night.

Each day presents new terrain, new conditions, and new personal challenges. Participants travel through deserts, oases, valleys, and ancient cultural sites while building toward a cumulative overall result.

Competitive for some. Transformational for many.

Format

• 121km over 4 stages
• Individual race
• Daily camp accommodation
• Cumulative overall timing

Who It's For: Runners, hikers, and endurance enthusiasts seeking a multi-day desert experience focused on personal growth and discovery.

Ultra Gobi AlUla C (30km, 1-day): Your Gateway Into the Desert

A one-day cultural and desert exploration experience designed for participants who want to discover the spirit of Ultra Gobi without the demands of a multi-day race. The route highlights some of AlUla's most iconic natural and historical landscapes while offering a lighter, more accessible adventure format.

Participants finish the day inside the signature Ultra Gobi desert camp experience beneath the stars.

Format

• 30km single-day experience
• Walking and light endurance format
• Camp experience included

Who It's For: First-time participants, travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

Camp and Logistics

For multi-day formats (A, B and C): each night, a complete mobile camp is built along the route. Individual tents, power, sanitation, meals with locally sourced ingredients. Everything moves the next morning. Medical teams and trained volunteers are present throughout. The organizing committee runs a 24/7 safety system for the full duration of the event.

Schedule*

January 13: Check-in for all formats. Race briefing. Opening ceremony.
January 14: Race start for all formats. C award ceremony.
January 15: A+ cutoff and award ceremony.
January 17: A and B final stage. Cutoff and award ceremony.
January 20: 400km cutoff. Award ceremony.

*Schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

Registration

Registration deadline: November 15, 2026

Registration fees (USD):
400km: $3,500
A+ (121km, nonstop): $1,460
A (121km, 4-day, team race): $2,810 per person
B (121km, 4-days, stage): $2,810
C (30km, 1-day): $1,010

Refund Policy:

• Full refund until November 18, 2026 (AlUla local time)
• 70% refund from November 18 to December 10, 2026 (AlUla local time)
• No refund after December 10, 2026

All participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas and travel documents. Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities at major Saudi Arabian airports. Check visitsaudi.com for requirements specific to your country.

Travel to and from AlUla is arranged individually. The organizing team is available to assist with accommodation recommendations.

Nearest airport: Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH), AlUla.

Questions: ultragobiseries@gmail.com

Full event details and course information: ultragobiseries.com

Ultra Gobi Series: 20 years' experience organizing extraordinary events

The Ultra Gobi Series is organized by Xingzhi Exploring Group. The company’s signature event in the Gobi Desert is one of China’s most established outdoor endurance events, founded in 2006 along the historic Silk Road. Its formats combine long-distance running or trekking with cultural and historical exploration. The Gobi Desert edition takes place annually near Dunhuang in northwest China, approximately 2,000 km west of Beijing. Over the past two decades, the event has welcomed more than 79,000 race entries. Ultra Gobi AlUla is the series’ first edition outside of China.

Event's current local time: 11:08 PM ABT