Despite having raised the participation limit to 1800 for this year’s edition, we are once again close to selling out already now in April. People, especially mountainbikers, who are keen to visit the Xiwuqi Grasslands and take part in the famous Genghis Khan Festival should sign up within the next days or risk being added to the waiting list.
Whereas running remains the most popular activity during the Festival, the number of MTB registrations is booming to the extent that over 500 bikers are expected to cross the starting line at Nadamu Square on Friday afternoon. Approx. 125 of those bikers are going for the King of the Grasslands crown, meaning they are also running the marathon on Saturday morning. Competition for defending King Wang Lidong is thus increasing.
In the mean time, Air China has put its Beijing-Xilinhot flights back on the schedule, and we sincerely hope they will remain so. Nevertheless, experience tells us that people who have time may be better off to take the Beijing-Xiwuqi charter bus on Thursday or Friday morning from Beijing Jiandemen subway station (line 10, not so far from the airport express station Sanyuanqiao).
Everyone can also log back into his or her’s online registration form to add any logistical services one requires. Note that the main event hotel, Xiwuqi Hotel, is already fully booked. Rooms are still available at Dian li Hotel, considered by many past participants as the most convenient hotel as closer to some good restaurants and shops. Jiu Tian Hotel and Shuang Li Hotel have also been popular options over the years, especially for mountainbikers given the nearby bike shop.
The Genghis Khan Festival is a fantastic outdoor experience for everyone, also known for its ‘Grassland Crazy Night’ banquet and party on Saturday night. Please note, however, that a 200km mountainbike stage race and a trail running marathon do not fit the definition of a ‘walk in the park’. Do not take the races lightly. If you need some extra training motivation, you can consider downloading the smartphone training and coaching app of our new sponsor Sportovia.