Great news coming from the Mongolian plains in Xiwuqi. The 6th edition of the Genghis Khan MTB & Grassland Marathon Festival, scheduled for 29 June to 1 July 2012, will get a modified design and new trails for both runners and bikers! Highlights are the one big loop of 42, 195km in the grasslands for the marathon run, and a 102km long final stage of the mountainbike stage race on Sunday.
Runners will run on Saturday morning and start and finish in the town centre of Xiwuqi before they enter the beautifully green grasslands. Contrary to 2011, marathon participants will go deeper into the grasslands than before and will enjoy superb new scenery during their run. The Grassland Marathon is an event for all, so of course shorter loops of 21 and 10km are also available for less ambitious runners.
Mountainbikers choosing the long-distance option will have a menu containing 200km of grassland biking spread over 3 days. Day 1 and Day 3 will start and finish at the Nadamu Festival arena, Day 2 will start in the town centre and finish at the Mongolian Tent City, where the traditional banquet dinner will also be held that same Saturday night. Whereas the first stage will take bikers onto the much-loved classic loop of 60km, the second and third stage will enter new terrain. The long final stage of 102km will go all around Xiwuqi town and has some more technical areas, but it remains feasible for everybody to do. Participants will enter remote grasslands areas, which will increase the sense of adventure and the spirit of Genghis Khan even more. Of course, on all 3 days there will also be a short-distance option available. Most important: do not forget to take your photo camera with you on what will be an unforgettable day!
The registration has been opened for the 2012 Genghis Khan Festival, and information on travel packages can now also be consulted on the Nordic Ways webpages. Please