Short description
The Steppe Half Marathon was born from a love of the land and an active childhood on the Mongolian steppe. First held in Khentii Province in 2024, the 21 km race starts at the Friends’ Monument and finishes at Talyn Aduuny Camp, following fast, flat dirt roads across open steppe. In its debut year, the marathon brought together over 700 runners from across Mongolia, supported by local communities and authorities. With its unique course, deep cultural roots, and the special tradition of awarding a young horse to the top male and female finishers, the Steppe Half Marathon offers a truly unforgettable running experience in nature.
Full story
Last year, our camp successfully organized the first-ever marathon in Khentii Province in collaboration with other organizations.
As the founder of this camp, I was born and raised in this land. In my childhood, we herded sheep every day, walked on foot through hills and valleys, and spent the entire summer running after calves while tending them. That kind of active childhood, surrounded by nature, seems to be fading today, as children and young people have fewer opportunities for healthy movement and close connection with the natural environment.
Therefore, starting in 2024, friends who were born and raised on the steppe came together to initiate and organize the first 21 km Steppe Half Marathon, starting from the Friends’ Monument. In its very first year, with strong support from the provincial administration, nearby soum authorities, and local residents, we were delighted to successfully host the event with over 700 participants.
The marathon starts at the Friends’ Monument and runs mostly downhill, finishing at our Steppe Horse Camp. About 95% of the route follows flat dirt roads across the open steppe, which experienced runners described as “an exciting and fast course.”
This year’s marathon welcomed participants from the farthest corners of Mongolia, including Govi-Altai Province (1,500 km away) and Dornod Province (600 km away), adding great significance to the event. Athletes from six running clubs also took part, arriving two to three days in advance to familiarize themselves with the course and stay at Steppe Horse Camp for preparation.
One of the most distinctive highlights of the marathon was awarding a one-year-old horse (a young foal) to the top male and female runners.
You too are warmly invited to come to the Mongolian steppe in 2026, take part in this unique marathon, and compete for this special prize. The marathon will be held on Saturday of the first week of June 2026.
Virelated pictures
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