News: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset

Credit : www.ms2s.org / Peter Troest The 22nd edition of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) charity ultra-trail run is planned for August 11, 2021. The race week will be from August 7-14.- Secure your spot and register now – pay once the race is fully confirmed in the spring of 2021. Registrations are open on www.ms2s.org!- MS2S, one of Asia’s first ultra-trail runs, offers an unforgettable running experience in the untouched Mongolian nature. All proceeds are used to fund environmental projects in Hovsgol National Park. Mongolia (November 17, 2020) – After the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) 42km and 100km ultra trail run was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19, the organizers now plan a comeback of the traditional trail race: The 22nd edition of MS2S is set to take place on August 11, 2021. MS2S, a member of the International Trail Running Association ITRA, is more than just a spectacular ultra-trail run – the participants enjoy a full week in the Mongolian wilderness. The race week is scheduled from August 7-14. Registrations are already open on www.ms2s.org – runners and their friends and families can now register and secure their spot – the race is limited to 100 participants. Payments will be required only once the travel situation in Mongolia is back to normal and the event is 100% confirmed. Once in a lifetime experience MS2S, held annually since 1999, is a unique charity run in one of the most untouched and wild parts of Mother Earth. Mongolian horsemen serve as race marshals. Herds of yaks and wild horses watch the runners passing by. The majestic Lake Hovsgol provides for the perfect setting. The days before and after the race are as impressive as the race itself: The participants sleep in traditional Mongolian Gers in a picturesque camp at the lakeshore in the North of Mongolia, not far from the Siberian border. They get in touch with the nomadic population, explore the gorgeous area on horseback, and enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and daily yoga sessions. - That is what running in Mongolia looks like – check out this MS2S video: https://youtu.be/0Q2xGV83-tI MS2S is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful trail runs on the planet, and the race course will not be changed in 2021: Lakeside trails, windblown lowlands, craggy mountain passes, mossy fairy-tale forests and meadows full of wildflowers. 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. Run to protect the wilderness Race director Nicolas Musy: “MS2S offers a week of exploration and adventure – it is an eye-opening experience.” 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. For more information, please visit: www.ms2s.org and www.facebook.com/MongoliaSunriseToSunset, https://twitter.com/MS2S_Trail and https://www.instagram.com/ms2s_trail

Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag In the first week of August 2016, adventure seeking runners from all over the world will take part in the 18th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) at the shores of Lake Hovsgol. *The registration period for this unique adventure 42km and 100km trail run, taking place on 3rd August 2016, is open on www.ms2s.org! Runners from 22 countries participated in the 2015 race, creating an exceptional experience. Mongolia (January 2016) – How deep blue can a lake be? And how many different shades of green do exist? Up to 100 runners from all over the world will find out in August 2016, when they gather at Lake Hovsgol in the wilderness of Northern Mongolia. Their quest: The 18th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S). The MS2S, a non-profit 42km and 100km ultra trail run, is without a doubt among the most beautiful runs of the world. Runners pass by wild horses and yaks, seas of wildflowers, the craggy mountains, windblown lowlands and of course the deep blue pearl of Mongolia, Lake Hovsgol. “The untouched nature is truly stunning. Our race offers spectacular views from start to finish – be it on the lakeside single trail when the sun rises behind Lake Hovsgol, on the impressive mountain passes or in the marshy, remote forests”, says Nicolas Musy, race director of the MS2S. The MS2S is not only beautiful but also challenging: The accumulated elevation gain/loss in the marathon distance is more than 2.200 meters, in the 100km ultra run it is more than 3.300 meters. Musy: “Still, everybody with a strong spirit and good training can complete the race. The cut-off time is 18 hours.” Early bird rates – The special offer is quit finished ! Runners with an appetite for a special adventure can now secure early bird rates for the race package online on www.ms2s.org. “This is not a one-day event. We offer a whole week full of discovery and adventure”, explains Musy. Participants gather in a picturesque camp at the lakeshore, sleep in traditional Mongolian yurts and get in touch with local nomads and their culture. In the days before and following the race, runners can enjoy a variety of leisure activities: horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. The 2016 race week will take place from July 30th to August 6th 2016. To beneficiate of the special offer, register before march ! 2015: an international crowd In the 2015 race, runners from all over the world participated in the MS2S. Altogether, the organizers welcomed participants from no less than 22 countries. The young Mongolian runner Tumenbayar Shagdar was able to secure the win on 100km in a time of 11:54 hours. French Aurélia Veyre was the fastest ultra-lady in 15:16 hours. The 42km winners were the Mongolian Tugldur Tselmegsaikhan and the Canadian runner Jennifer Pasiciel. In the veteran 100km category, Swiss Marc Progin won in strong 15:36 hours. Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag Preserving the National Park The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis. All proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and clean as well as to support the culture of the local nomads via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now. That is why we fund a litter control project and its ongoing operation including hiring park rangers, providing eco-friendly garbage bags and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, explains race director Nicolas Musy. The ecoLeap foundation also supports the local culture, adds Musy: “It is not only the pristine nature that makes this part of the world so special. It is also the unique culture of the nomads and their way of life. The nomads should be proud of their abilities and culture.”

Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag In the first week of August 2016, adventure-seeking runners from all over the world will take part in the 18th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) at the shores of Lake Hovsgol. The registration period for this unique adventure 42km and 100km trail run, taking place on 3rd August 2016, is now open on www.ms2s.org! Runners from 22 countries participated in the 2015 race, creating an exceptional experience. All proceeds of the event go to environmental and cultural projects in Hovsgol National Park. Mongolia (6 November 2015) – How deep blue can a lake be? And how many different shades of green do exist? Up to 100 runners from all over the world will find out in August 2016, when they gather at Lake Hovsgol in the wilderness of Northern Mongolia. Their quest: The 18th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S). The MS2S, a non-profit 42km and 100km ultra trail run, is without a doubt among the most beautiful runs of the world. Runners pass by wild horses and yaks, seas of wildflowers, the craggy mountains, windblown lowlands and of course the deep blue pearl of Mongolia, Lake Hovsgol. “The untouched nature is truly stunning. Our race offers spectacular views from start to finish – be it on the lakeside single trail when the sun rises behind Lake Hovsgol, on the impressive mountain passes or in the marshy, remote forests”, says Nicolas Musy, race director of the MS2S. The MS2S is not only beautiful but also challenging: The accumulated elevation gain/loss in the marathon distance is more than 2.200 meters; in the 100km ultra run it is more than 3.300 meters. Musy: “Still, everybody with a strong spirit and good training can finish the race. The cut-off time is 18 hours.” Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag Early bird rates – register now! The registration period for next year’s race has already begun. Runners with an appetite for a special adventure can now secure early bird rates for the race package online on www.ms2s.org. “This is not a one-day event. We offer a whole week full of discovery and adventure”, explains Musy. Participants gather in a picturesque camp at the lakeshore, sleep in traditional Mongolian yurts and get in touch with local nomads and their culture. In the days before and following the race, runners can enjoy a variety of leisure activities: horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. The 2016 race week will take place from July 30th to August 6th 2016. 2015: an international crowd In the 2015 race, runners from all over the world participated in the MS2S. Altogether, the organizers welcomed participants from no less than 22 countries. The young Mongolian runner Tumenbayar Shagdar was able to secure the win on 100km in a time of 11:54 hours. French Aurélia Veyre was the fastest ultra-lady in 15:16 hours. The 42km winners were the Mongolian Tugldur Tselmegsaikhan and the Canadian runner Jennifer Pasiciel. In the veteran 100km category, Swiss Marc Progin won in strong 15:36 hours. Preserving the National Park The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis. All proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and clean as well as to support the culture of the local nomads via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now. That is why we fund a litter control project and its ongoing operation including hiring park rangers, providing eco-friendly garbage bags and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, explains race director Nicolas Musy. The ecoLeap foundation also supports the local culture, adds Musy: “It is not only the pristine nature that makes this part of the world so special. It is also the unique culture of the nomads and their way of life. The nomads should be proud of their abilities and culture.” Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag

Credit : www.ms2s.org / Peter Troest The 17th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42k and 100k ultra trail run takes place in the week of 1-8 August 2015. Early bird travel packages are available until March 1st on www.ms2s.org! Mongolia (28 January 2015) – In August 2015, for the 17th time already, adventure seeking runners from all over the world will gather at the shores of Lake Hovsgol in Northern Mongolia for a very special experience: the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42k and 100k ultra trail marathon. Until March 1st, 2015, runners can book a discounted early bird travel package on the event website www.ms2s.org. “It is a whole week of exploration with horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, sleeping in traditional Mongolian Gers – and of course running”, says race director Nicolas Musy. The race on August 5th will be as challenging as it is beautiful. Runners pass by yak herds and wild horses, shamanistic Ovoos as well as Mongolian yurts and horsemen, in one of the most pristine and spectacular areas on this planet. Amongst participants, the race is known as the world’s most beautiful 42k and 100k run. A lakeside single track through woods and over windblown lowlands; steep, rocky mountain passes with breath-taking views; river valleys and marshy forests; seas of wildflowers. The accumulated elevation gain/loss for the marathon distance is 2.255 meters, for the 100k course it is 3.365 meters. Preserving the National Park The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis. All proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of the local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. Nicolas Musy: “It is not only the pristine nature that makes this part of the world so special. It is also the unique culture of the nomads and their way of life. The nomads should be proud of their abilities and culture.”

Credit : www.ms2s.org / Peter Troest The registration period for the 17th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42km and 100km trail run, taking place on 5th August 2015, starts on 1 October 2014. Adventure seeking runners can now register for this unique experience on www.ms2s.org. Runners from no less than 13 countries participated in 2014; new race record set for 42km distance. Mongolia (24 September 2014) – Wild horses, wild yaks and seas of wildflowers: The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42km and 100km ultra marathon truly offers pure wilderness to the participants. “It is one of the most remote races worldwide. The untouched nature in the Hovsgol National Park is the main reason why many of our runners refer to the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset as the most beautiful 100km run on the planet”, says race director Nicolas Musy. The course in the National Park in Northern Mongolia follows lake-side single tracks and horse trails. It includes steep hills, windblown lowlands, craggy mountains, marshy forests and spectacular views over mighty Lake Hovsgol and all the way to the Siberian Mountains in the far North. Credit : www.ms2s.org / Peter Troest Register now! The registration period for next year’s race starts on 1 October 2014. Runners with an appetite for a special adventure can now secure early bird rates for the race package online on www.ms2s.org. “This is not a one-day event. We offer a week full of discovery and adventure”, explains Musy. Participants gather in a picturesque camp at the lakeshore, sleep in traditional Mongolian yurts and get in touch with local nomads and their culture. In the days before and following the race, runners can enjoy a variety of leisure activities: horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag 2014: New record for 42km Runners from 13 countries gathered at the shores of Lake Hovsgol in August 2014 for the 16th edition of this spectacular race. French runner Alex Balson, who lives in Northern Mongolia and is familiar with the course, set a new record time for the 42km in 3:48 hours. An impressive time, especially considering the difficulty of the terrain and the accumulated elevation gain/loss of 2,255 meters in the marathon distance. For the 100km ultra distance, the accumulated elevation gain/loss is no less than 3,365 meters. Sean Smith from Australia managed to come in first in 13:37 hours. Especially remarkable was the breathtaking finish in the veteran category, where 69-year old Marc Progin from Switzerland and Hans Andersen from Denmark sprinted head-to-head through the finish line and shared the first place in 14:52 hours. The fastest female on 42km was Rose Kennedy from the United States, while her compatriot Rhonda Stricklett won the 100km ultra distance in strong 14:25 hours. Credit : www.ms2s.org / Peter Troest Preserving the National Park The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis. All proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and clean as well as to support the culture of the local nomads via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now. That is why we fund a litter control project and its ongoing operation including hiring park rangers, providing eco-friendly garbage bags and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, explains race director Nicolas Musy. The ecoLeap foundation also supports the local culture, adds Musy: “It is not only the pristine nature that makes this part of the world so special. It is also the unique culture of the nomads and their way of life. The nomads should be proud of their abilities and culture.” Credit : www.ms2s.org / Khasar Sandag

The 16th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42k and 100k ultra trail run takes place in the week of 2-9 August 2014. Early bird travel packages are available until 1 March on www.ms2s.org! Credit : Darko Todorovic Mongolia (3 February 2013) – In August 2014, for the 16th time already, adventure seeking runners from all over the world will gather at the shores of mighty Lake Hovsgol in Northern Mongolia for a very special experience: the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 42k and 100k ultra trail marathon. Until March 1st, 2014, runners with an appetite for a unique adventure can book a discounted early bird travel package on the event website www.ms2s.org. “It is a whole week of exploration with horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, sleeping in traditional Mongolian Gers – and of course running”, says race director Nicolas Musy. The race on August 6th will be as challenging as it is beautiful. Runners pass by yak herds and wild horses, shamanistic Ovoos as well as Mongolian yurts and horsemen, in one of the most pristine and spectacular areas on this planet. Amongst participants, the extremely challenging race is known as the world’s most beautiful 42k and 100k run. A lakeside single track through woods and over windblown lowlands; steep, rocky mountain passes with spectacular views; river valleys and marshy forests; seas of wildflowers. The accumulated elevation gain/loss for the marathon distance is 2.255 meters, for the 100k course it is 3.365 meters. Preserving the National Park The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis. All proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of the local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now. That is why we fund a litter control project and its ongoing operation including hiring park rangers, providing eco-friendly garbage bags and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, explains race director Nicolas Musy. The ecoLeap foundation also supports the local culture, adds Musy: “It is not only the pristine nature that makes this part of the world so special. It is also the unique culture of the nomads and their way of life. The nomads should be proud of their abilities and culture.”

Breathtaking: Runners from 20 countries participated in the 14th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset – said to be the most pristine 100km and 42km run on the planet. The non-profit event supports environmental projects in Hovsgol National Park, Mongolia. Next years race takes place 3-10 August 2013. Registration opens on 1 October 2012 on www.ms2s.org. Credit : www.ms2s.org (Darko Todorovic) Mongolia (9 October 2012) – Stunning seas of wildflowers, the crystal clear, mighty Lake Hovsgol, horse treks along the lake, steep mountain treks, alpine forests of taiga, lush green hills, vast open space and untouched nature. The adventure run Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) takes place in a fairy-tale part of the world, earning itself a reputation as the most beautiful 100km and 42 km on the planet. For the 14th time, international runners from 20 countries gathered in Hovsgol National Park in Northern Mongolia for this annual challenge. New record: 10:03 hours The 14th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset on 1 August – the Swiss national day – ended with a Swiss victory in a new record time. Florian Vieux finished in 10:03 hours, running not only for 100km, but also overcoming a total elevation gain/loss of not less than 3’365 meters. The 21 year old runner Bat Ulzi Sandagdorj, the youngest son of a local nomad family, was the fastest on the 42km marathon distance. Credit : www.ms2s.org (Darko Todorovic) Challenging race, adventurous week The race is as challenging as it is beautiful: Equipped with torches, the runners start out at 4:30am into the dark woods for the first two kilometres of horse tracks, before following the lakeside dirt road and watching the sunrise over Lake Hovsgol. The winding, steep track up to Chichee pass at 2’255 meters above sea level is the first of many tough challenges. Up on the mountain, runners and Mongolian horsemen alike enjoy a stunning panoramic view all the way to the Siberian mountains in the north. And the nature remains that spectacular throughout the race: Mossy forests, green hills, craggy mountains. The race is very special, and so is the whole race week: The international runners live in cosy Mongolian gers at the shores of Lake Hovsgol, where they acclimatise to the altitude of 1’600 meters and explore the nature with fishing, kayaking, hiking, horseback-riding and mountain biking before and after race day. Early bird travel packages for the 2013 race week are available from 1 October on www.ms2s.org. Credit : www.ms2s.org (Darko Todorovic) Environmental projects The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of the local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “The proceeds from the event and participants’ donations have funded the set-up cost for the litter control project and its ongoing operation: including hiring park rangers dedicated to litter control, providing eco-friendly garbage bags, and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, explains race director Angie Eagan. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now and to make the nomads proud of their abilities and culture.”

Adventure seeking runners can now register for the run of their lifetime: The world’s most pristine 42km and 100km race, the 14th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset, will take place on 1 August 2012. Favourable package prices on www.ms2s.org until end of February. All proceeds of the non-profit event are used for environmental projects in Hovsgol National Park. Credit : ultramongolia.org7 February 2012 – The 14th edition of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset marathon and 100km run will take place on 1 August 2012 in the stunning mountain area of Hovsgol National Park in Northern Mongolia. Among participants, the race is labelled as “the world’s most beautiful 42km and 100km run”. No wonder: mossy forests, river valleys, 2’300 meter high mountain passes with stunning views, windblown lowlands and lakeside single trails supervised by Mongolian horsemen – all of this makes the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset a breathtaking race. “In the days before and after the race, participants and their companions will have the chance to experience this unique nature with horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or kayaking. They also get in touch with the unique nomadic culture and sleep in Mongolian gers – it’s a whole week of adventure and an unforgettable experience for every runner”, explains race director Angie Eagan. The participants in the marathon run have to overcome an accumulated elevation gain/loss of 2’255 meters. For the 100km ultra marathon it’s no less than 3’365 meters. Run for the good cause The 2012 event takes place from 28 July to 4 August, the organizers provide travel packages on www.ms2s.org. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of Hovsgol and Mongolia’s local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. “We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now and to make the nomads proud of their abilities and culture”, says Eagan. For more information and registration, please visit: www.ms2s.org. Media Contact: Bernhard Hagen [email protected] Tel: +86 138 1834 8244 Source: www.hagenpr.com

Adventure seeking runners can now register for the world’s most pristine 42km and 100km run: The 14th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset will take place on 1 August 2012. The unique adventure race in the Mongolian mountains is limited to 100 runners – registrations on www.ms2s.org. All proceeds of the non-profit event are used for environmental projects in Hovsgol National Park. 7 November 2011 Credit : C. MarinThe 14th edition of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset marathon and 100km run will take place on 1 August 2012 in the stunning mountain area of Hovsgol National Park in Northern Mongolia. Among participants, the race is labelled as “the world’s most beautiful 42km and 100km run”. No wonder: mossy forests, river valleys, 2’300 meter high mountain passes with stunning views, windblown lowlands and lakeside single trails supervised by Mongolian horsemen – all of this makes the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset a breathtaking race. “In the days before and after the race, participants and their companions will have the chance to experience this unique nature with horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or kayaking. They also get in touch with the unique nomadic culture and sleep in Mongolian gers – it’s a whole week of adventure and an unforgettable experience for every runner”, explains race director Angie Eagan. The participants in the marathon run have to overcome an accumulated elevation gain/loss of 2’255 meters. For the 100km ultra marathon it’s no less than 3’365 meters. The 2012 event: July 28 – August 4 Credit : C. MarinInternational participants will arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, on Saturday, July 28, and fly and drive to Camp Toilogt, located on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Hovsgol not far from the Russian border. Camp Toilogt is the site of the start and finish line. The runners have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude of 1,650 meters and become acquainted with the course prior to the race. Besides the extremely tough 100km race, participants also have the chance to tackle a 42km mountain marathon distance. Since participants of both distances are granted 18 hours to finish, anyone with the spirit for a physical challenge can actually complete the marathon distance. The organizers provide travel packages on www.ms2s.org. Eagan: “The camp at Lake Hovsgol allows us to accept a maximum of 100 runners and their families and friends.” Environmental projects Credit : M. ProginThe Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of Hovsgol and Mongolia’s local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. One of the supported projects is the “zero-litter policy” in the national park. “The proceeds from the event and participants’ donations have funded the set-up cost for the litter control project and its ongoing operation: including hiring park rangers dedicated to litter control, providing eco-friendly garbage bags, and raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families. We want to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now and to make the nomads proud of their abilities and culture”, says Eagan. For more information and registration, please visit: www.ms2s.org.

Credit : ultramongolia.orgThe 13th annual Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100km and 42km run took place on 3 August 2011. Adventure seeking runners from 16 countries participated. The non-profit event raised money for environmental projects in Hovsgol National Park. Mongolia, 23 August 2011 – Pristine mountains, dark green mossy forests, the crystal clear Lake Hovsgol, the unique nomadic culture: The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) is said to be the most beautiful 100km and 42km run on the planet. For the 13th year, runners from all over the world gathered in Hovsgol National Park, not far from the Siberian border in northern Mongolia, to take part in this adventure race. “It is not only about running a race”, says organizer Nicolas Musy. “The runners and their companions or families enjoy a week in Mongolia with horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, hiking or mountain biking in this fantastic, pristine mountain area. They also get in touch with the unique nomadic culture; they sleep in Mongolian gers and have the chance to interact with the horsemen who keep them safe during the race. This is what makes the MS2S special!” Credit : ultramongolia.org With an accumulated elevation gain/loss of more than 3’300 meters, this is no cakewalk. German-Japanese Timo Meyer, running for the charity, Shoe4Africa, won the 100km race in 10:55 – the second best time in MS2S history. For most others, it was all about finishing within the 18 hour cut-off time. Just as in the years before, there were many true adventurers among the runners: One athlete travels thousands of kilometres by bike through Mongolia every year to participate in the race, others flew in right after an expedition to Alaskan Mount McKinley, after participating in the Maasai Ultra Marathon in Kenya or a running event in Antarctica. Running for a good cause The MS2S race is a non-profit event. All proceeds are used to support a variety of preservation projects in Hovsgol National Park via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. One of the supported projects is the “zero-litter policy” in the national park. “The proceeds from the event and participants’ donations have funded the initial set-up cost for the litter control project, as well as the ongoing operation costs: for hiring additional park rangers, providing eco-friendly trash bags, and communication and educational events and materials”, reports Musy. MS2S 2012: limited to 100 runners! After race day 2011, preparations for next year’s event have already begun. “We are continuously working on our environmental projects, to keep this pristine mountain area as beautiful as it is now and to make the nomads proud of their abilities and culture. And we will put all our efforts into organizing another great race in 2012”, says Nicolas Musy. The registration period for the MS2S race will start on 1 October 2011. Musy: “The camp at Lake Hovsgol allows us to accept a maximum of 100 runners and their companions.”

It is some of the most beautiful and pristine trail running on the planet: The 13th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset mountain marathon and 100km will take place on 3 August 2011. The non-profit event supports initiatives to preserve Hovsgol National Park and the unique natural culture of its nomadic people. Adventure seeking runners can register on www.ultramongolia.com. Credit : ultramongolia.org12 May 2011 – Trail running amid the breathtaking scenery of Hovsgol National Park – no surprise that the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is known among participants as the world’s most beautiful 100km run. Besides the 100km race, participants also have the chance to tackle a 42km mountain marathon distance. Since participants of both distances are granted 18 hours to finish, anyone with the spirit for a physical challenge can actually complete the marathon distance. “It is extreme trail running, adventure, exploration and a fantastic experience of nature, all at once”, says race director Angie Eagan. Around 80 runners and outdoor adventure lovers from all over the world meet in Mongolia for this unique event every year. The 2011 event: July 30 – August 6 Credit : Credit ultramongolia.orgInternational participants will arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, on Saturday, July 30, and fly and drive to Camp Toilogt, located on the shore of Lake Hovsgol in North-western Mongolia. Camp Toilogt is the site of the start and finish line. The runners have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude of 1,650 meters and become acquainted with the course prior to the race. Ms. Eagan: “For those interested, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and visiting local families including Tsaatan reindeer herders is also possible. Participants can combine a remarkable sports event with a unique nature and cultural experience”. The organizers provide travel packages on the website www.ultramongolia.com. Support of environmental projects Credit : ultramongolia.orgThe Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of Hovsgol and Mongolia’s local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland. One of the supported projects is the “zero-litter policy” in the national park. “The proceeds from the event and participants’ donations have funded the initial set-up cost for the litter control project and its ongoing operation costs: including hiring park rangers dedicated to litter control, providing eco-friendly garbage bags, raising awareness nation-wide through TV ads and education of local children and families”, reports Eagan. The course: a huge personal challenge Credit : ultramongolia.orgThe race in the beautiful scenery of Hosvgol National Park is extremely challenging: The accumulated elevation gain/loss for the marathon distance is around 2’255 meters and for the 100km it is around 3’365 meters. The course follows a lakeside single track north of Camp Toilogt through woods, before departing the lake and heading up over 700 meters into the mountains to spectacular views from the 2’300 meter Chichee Pass. Then, the route descends steeply into a river valley, follows the river bed through sometimes marshy sections and climbs steeply through a fairy-tale like mossy forest to Khirvesteg Pass. From the pass, runners descend and make their way back to Camp Toilogt and the 42km finish line. 100km runners continue to the south-west, following a mostly flat dirt trail, ascending to Jankhai Pass at just under 2’000 meter elevation. From there, the course is primarily a gentle downhill in windblown lowlands over trails and dirt roads, with the final 25km including a beautiful forested trail on the lakeshore. The cut-off time for the ultra marathon and 42Km is 18 hours. Picture legend: Trail running, adventure and exploration: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is the most beautiful 100km run in the world. Picture legend: Participants can combine a remarkable sports event with a unique nature and cultural experience: Travel packages on www.ultramongolia.com.