All proceeds go to preserve the fantastic nature and culture of Hovsgol National Park. Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is an annual event that allows runners to experience some of the most spectacular and pristine trail running in the world as well as an opportunity to visit Mongolia - the land of Chinggis Khan, nomadism and infinite wilderness. Whether you come to challenge the Mongolian champions over the 100km distance or to challenge yourself in trekking your first Alpine marathon, Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset offers you a week of discovery and exploration. Participants in Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset have the opportunity to combine serious trail running or trail hiking with remote and exotic eco-tourism. The event takes participants to Hovsgol Lake on the northern border of Mongolia (adjacent to Russian Siberia) where the wide open spaces, dry and temperate climate and naturally soft terrain are ideal for running. Participants taking part in the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset have the option to complete a marathon (42 km) distance or the 100 km course. Participants in Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset will arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia on Saturday, 4 days before race day. They will arrive either directly in UB (convenient for Europe-based participants); or from Beijing (convenient for Europe and Asia-based participants). From Ulaanbataar, participants will fly domestic to Mörön and continue with jeep to Camp Toilogt, located on the shore of Lake Hovsgol and 700km northwest of UB. The 2,700 square kilometer lake is one of the most pristine mountain lakes anywhere. Flanked by 3,000 meter (10,000 ft) mountains and surrounded by larch and spruce forests, the lake region is a spectacular setting for a mountain race. Camp Toilogt is an eco-tourism community set in a stunning spot on the shores of the lake which offers participants low-impact accommodation and the warmth of local hospitality, as well as simple hot showers and other basic conveniences. Camp Toilogt is also the site of the start and finish of MS2S. Prior to the race, participants have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude (1650 meters) and become acquainted with the course. For those interested, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and visiting local families (including Tsaatan reindeer herders) will also be possible. Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to support a variety of preservation projects in Hovsgol National Park and in selected other national parks in Mongolia via our “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva, Switzerland (Register of commerce number CH-660-1328009-0). Our current efforts are focused on addressing the most pressing issue facing the park at the moment – the new influx of garbage generated by local Mongolian tourism. We have established a garbage education and garbage collection project that is now being adopted across Mongolia under the auspices of the Ministry for Nature and the Environment. This year our garbage truck is in need of replacement and for this we hope to raise enough money to buy a new (used) tuck that is both smaller and more fuel efficient than our old Russian truck. Reed more on: www.ms2s.org
