First barefoot marathon of Mongolia will be held

The Mongolian International Steppe marathon was first initiated by Japanese citizens Fujiwara and Kon Aya in 1996. The marathon is for professional runners and amateurs alike from Mongolia, Japan and other countries. Each year, the marathon broadens its scope.

This year’s Mongolian Steppe is set to take place on August 19. The marathon is organized jointly by the Mongolian Athletics Federation and Japan’s Showa Holdings Group. This year is the 22nd annual event and includes special features such as:

The first ultra trail marathon

in Mongolia including mountains, steppes, city and waters; and

The first barefoot half marathon in the steppes

The ultra trail marathon will cross Bogd Khaan Mountain and one of the aims is to also let foreign runners run through the city and admire the beauty of Mongolia’s nature. The event is to start off at Shavartiin Valley, cross over Bogd Khaan and reach the top of the Zaisan hill throughout a 50 km journey. On the narrow way, the runners will go through mountains, hills, trees, and urban infrastructure all in one marathon.

As for the barefoot marathon, it will start at Shavartiin Valley, 22 km east of Bogd Khaan Mountain. Runners from the Japanese Barefoot Running Association and the president of the association are to take part in the Mongolian International Steppe this year. Aside from the 50 km and the barefoot marathon, there are regular categories for 3 km, 5 km, 10 km and 21 km-races.

The organizers said they want to expand the scope of the marathon this year, and invited over international marathon athletes, mountain climbers, and other types of sport junkies such as famed French athlete Carol Fox who climbed Mount Everest.

This year, over 2,500 people will challenge their speed and power in both amateur and professional divisions on August 19. Reportedly, about a thousand of them will be Mongolian youth, and 200 foreign athletes are to take part. For instance, about 100 Japanese athletes are expected.

The general organizer of the marathon is the Mongolian Athletics Foundation. Showa Holding Co., Ltd, Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, Ulaanbaatar Tourist Office, Mongolian Association of Long Distance Marathon, Nuudeliin Zurgan Uguulemj Foundation, Lucent sport clothing brand and the Administration of the Bogd Khan Mountain SPA will support the event.