Ultra-trail Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset opens registrations for 2023
– THE Mongolian trail adventure is back: After the cancellation of the race due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) 42km and 100km ultra-trail was held successfully in August 2022.
– The 23rd edition of the breathtaking trail race will take place on August 9, 2023. Early bird race week packages (August 5-12) are now available on www.ms2s.org!
– Nonprofit: All proceeds of MS2S are used to fund environmental projects in the Hovsgol National Park and to preserve the unique nomadic lifestyle and culture of its population.
Mongolia – One of Asia’s oldest trail runs is back: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S), first held in 1999 in the untouched nature of Northern Mongolia, celebrated a successful comeback after having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. MS2S is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful trail runs on the planet and regularly ranks among the top events in the world’s leading running and adventure magazines.
Australia’s Troy Newman won the 100km in 17:22, the Mongolian runner Enkhtemuulen Ulziibat triumphed in the 42km distance in 6:25, and German Paula Hofstetter was the fastest marathon-lady in 6:37. MS2S race director Nicolas Musy: “We are happy that we were able to hold the race with runners from eight countries despite the still difficult international travel situation. Now we look into the future and work hard to organize a spectacular MS2S in 2023!”
Register now!
The 23rd edition of the MS2S, a member of the International Trail Running Association ITRA, will take place from August 5-12, with race day on August 9. The registrations for 2023 are open – travel packages are available on www.ms2s.org. The race is limited to 100 participants.
– Registrations for MS2S 2023 are open – watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q0hc1-_MJk
Unique adventure
MS2S is not just a remote trail race – it is truly one of a kind. Mongolian horsemen serve as race marshals, herds of yaks watch the runners passing by. Participants get in touch with the local nomadic population and spend the days before and after the race at the lakeshore of the majestic Lake Hovsgol. They sleep in traditional Mongolian Gers and explore the gorgeous wilderness on horseback.
– This was the 2022 MS2S race week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGeyfsB15aE
The racecourse is stunning: 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 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,” explains 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. In 2022, the “Adopt a km2” project was started, connecting sponsors from anywhere in the world with local nomadic families who serve as caretakers and advocates for a particular plot of land near the MS2S course. For more information on the project, please visit https://ecodevshilt.com/adopt-a-km2/
