The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) trail marathon was a magnificent event that combined nature beauty with the ultimate test of endurance. Running through the vast wilderness of the Lake Khovsgol area in bracing air, surrounded by spirit-uplifting mountains, everlasting blue skies and pristine waters, was a humbling experience of how slight we are in the grand expanse of nature. The challenging high-altitude over the course was breathtakingly hushed by the running excitement in new environment. From pine forests to rocky ascents reaching 2,300 meters, every step cheered a runner’s heart. The dedicated Mongolian helper, like the shepherd offering dried bananas at a remote submit, and the camaraderie among runners made every moment warmly connected. Each shared smile and word of encouragement reinforced the collective spirit of this extraordinary race. Although, at the 42KM finish line, my decision to give up the rest 58KM felt empowering, it engraved a lifelong lesson to me that the basic details must richly buffer against a black swan surprise, namely, a hole on the insole. The one-week horse trek after the race feels too short every time I recall it. The steady mountain goats that watching our ‘trespassing’, the gigantic eagle’s feather shining in the green grasses, the crystal clear mountain spring water, my tall and gentle horse that the herdsman chose for me who called back the group from straying, the delicious local lamb and the nature’s seamless requirement for our harmonious behavior – the whole journey on horseback and camping works was a life-changing experience. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is not just a race; it’s an unforgettable odyssey that leaves you humbled, inspired and forever changed.

This August (2025), I will return to Mongolia for the 25th edition of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) race—my 18th time participating. You might wonder: Why do I keep coming back? It all started after my second Everest Marathon, when a fellow runner told me about an extraordinary race in a remote national park in Northern Mongolia. He described running at 1,600 meters, climbing to 2,300 meters—twice—through unspoiled wilderness, along the shores of a vast lake, following ancient horse trails, and being supported by the local community. How could I resist? The first time I ran the 42K, I was completely overwhelmed. At the awards ceremony, I channeled the Terminator and declared: I’ll be back! And I kept my word. I also set myself a challenge—this would be the place where I would conquer a 100K race. The next year, I did just that. And then I kept returning, eventually joining the organizing team. But beyond the personal challenge, there’s another reason I keep returning: the positive impact. The income from race fees, sponsorships, and partnerships with environmental organizations helps protect this pristine region. We organize garbage collection and separation at tourist camps year-round, sponsor park rangers, and engage in other conservation initiatives. Here, you don’t just run—you run for something. You run for nature. And where else could you race through landscapes of such breathtaking beauty? My favorite stretch is running through fields of Edelweiss—not just one or a few, but thousands. So, I’ll leave you with this: If you are a marathoner or ultra-runner and you haven’t experienced the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset, you haven’t truly lived!

It was a complete success. It was an outstanding event – not to be missed. I have often been asked to name the race that I enjoyed most. My previous hesitations to name my favorite event are now replaced by a certitude: Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset.

I wanted to say thank you for putting together such a wonderful race. I was honoured to share the experience with such a great group of people in a country that has become very dear to me. The event touched all of our lives. The preparation, the setting, the camaraderie and the courage of so many I will never forget.

A kilometer jogger 10 months ago becomes the 100 km ultra runner. This is the reason why I come here. When the race gets going tougher, the tougher goes on with the race. Thank you for giving me the great chance to compete the greater race ‘Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset’ in one of the greatest country.

I recommend the event to anyone with a sense of adventure who is willing to test themselves. The organization is excellent – everything happens just when it should. Be brave and take the challenge!

The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset (MS2S) trail marathon was a magnificent event that combined nature beauty with the ultimate test of endurance. Running through the vast wilderness of the Lake Khovsgol area in bracing air, surrounded by spirit-uplifting mountains, everlasting blue skies and pristine waters, was a humbling experience of how slight we are in the grand expanse of nature. The challenging high-altitude over the course was breathtakingly hushed by the running excitement in new environment. From pine forests to rocky ascents reaching 2,300 meters, every step cheered a runner’s heart. The dedicated Mongolian helper, like the shepherd offering dried bananas at a remote submit, and the camaraderie among runners made every moment warmly connected. Each shared smile and word of encouragement reinforced the collective spirit of this extraordinary race. Although, at the 42KM finish line, my decision to give up the rest 58KM felt empowering, it engraved a lifelong lesson to me that the basic details must richly buffer against a black swan surprise, namely, a hole on the insole. The one-week horse trek after the race feels too short every time I recall it. The steady mountain goats that watching our ‘trespassing’, the gigantic eagle’s feather shining in the green grasses, the crystal clear mountain spring water, my tall and gentle horse that the herdsman chose for me who called back the group from straying, the delicious local lamb and the nature’s seamless requirement for our harmonious behavior – the whole journey on horseback and camping works was a life-changing experience. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is not just a race; it’s an unforgettable odyssey that leaves you humbled, inspired and forever changed.

Best trip of my life! Great fun in an undiscovered venue.

Thought to send you a short message just to say how much i enjoyed the race this year. Hovsgol is such a special place and to join up with everyone at Toilogt this year was indeed a great pleasure, especially after all those miles of cycling. I felt very privileged to be there and take part in the 100k race. The horse trek after was the icing on the cake, we had a fabulous time and I loved every second of the whole trip, I’ve never known 3 weeks pass so quickly or be so enjoyable. Thanks for everything during my time at Hovsgol it was just great to be there. Really looking forward to next year now and hopefully a longer stay – 3 weeks just weren’t enough! All the very best.

Participating in this event was a transformative experience, offering not only physical challenges but also profound cultural insights. The MS2S ultramarathon, held in Mongolia’s Hovsgol National Park, presented breathtaking landscapes that remain etched in my memory. Traversing through enchanting forests, vast plains, and along the serene shores of Lake Hovsgol was a true gift from nature. Beyond the natural beauty, I was deeply touched by the solidarity, warmth, and graciousness of the Mongolian people. The camaraderie at the camp by Lake Hovsgol strengthened the bonds between participants and locals alike. The significance of winning this race was such that a photo from that moment became the cover of my book, “Correndo na Trilha dos Sonhos.” Since then, I have continued my ultramarathon journey, completing 27 races around the globe, with the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset standing out as one of the most beautiful and impactful.

A stunning 100km run! The same can be said for the organization of our week in Mongolia. Especially enjoyed the contact with the Mongolian people and their culture.

More than 100 marathons I have done, but this one is one of the most exciting. After Antarctic, Macchu Pichu, Sibiris, Mount Everest I would say, this Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset marathon is a five star marathon according to the landscape, organisation, volunteers and the Mongolian friendships. Many thanks to all.

I’m only 13 years old and I thought it was fantastic. The whole country is fresh, fresh with beauty. The air clear, absolutely 0 pollution. Wild flowers litter the fields with about 5 per square foot. Great fishing and trekking. This trip is one of a kind. The people are great, not one grump. I myself have made many friends (adults). It is the most marvellous and exquisite running adventure ever.

A wonderful race, a wonderful honeymoon week, a wonderful party-week. The mother-in-law came too and I still had a fantastic time. I leave Mongolia with a Mongolian wife, some fantastic memories, and an irresistible urge to come and run again as soon as possible. I just hope that everyone else returns too.

Mongolian people are just fantastic. The country and especially Hovsgol National Park are just marvelous. Running in such a wild environment with beautiful scenery is one of the greatest things I have experienced.

A fantastic experience in a wonderful land with wonderful people – both the Mongolians and companions from all corners of the planet that came with us. The trip exceeded all my expectations; the beauty, the support, the other runners and even my own performance in the 100km. I will come back one day! Thanks to everyone.

Wow! I am so glad I finally made this trip. It was a wonderful week with zillions of new experiences… Thanks to everyone for one of the best times in my life (so far)!

What a wonderful week. One of the most well organised events we have seen. The camp and the race were run without a hitch. The horsemen were wonderful. Thank you all for such spirit and organization. Thanks for your commitment to this beautiful environment and thanks for sharing this magical place with us. Best wishes for Sunrise to Sunset 2003.

I have made three trips to Hovsgol since 1998 and it seems I can never have enough of it. This unspoiled piece of nature is becoming rarer and rarer in this fast developing world and I sincerely wish everybody will do their best to protect this area.

Thanks for providing the chance of enjoying this wonderful country. Great organisation, fun people, nature pure and an outstanding run!

Consider it to be a stunning experience for your mind, body and soul. In a pristine environment you will find the time to get an inside look into life in this remote area of the world and to practice all kinds of leisure activities. The range of possibilities goes from enjoying life next to the beautiful lake to the challenging 100km race. The choice is yours and the winners are all that decided to come.

Absolutely fantastic (race and all!!). We all had a brilliant time and hope to do it all over again soon. Thanks a million to all who made this possible.

The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset has been a very memorable experience for me. It was the perfect mix of pampering and roughing it. The race route was exquisitely beautiful. Cheers to the organizers for an outstanding job.

Thank you for a remarkable experience. Your philosophy and personalities merge perfectly with this wonderful place.

Excellent event. Should be on everybody’s race calendar. Brilliant experience and bizarrest party ever.

I experience ultrarunning as meditation. Every race teaches me about my beliefs…how they limit me…how they give me freedom. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset taught me about spaciousness. The wild beauty of the place, the warm spirit of the people, and the sense of community amongst the participants will entice me back. If you are called to this place…do not hesitate.

As a second time participant, I am so happy that this event keeps its magical atmosphere. While running, you truly feel and discover the incredibly powerful dimension of the Nature, Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is much more than a race, it is a lifetime experience.

Unbelievable adventure – like the early days of the Marathon des Sables. Picturesque beauty over 100 kilometers of runable trails. One of Asia’s best ultramarathons/marathons.

This was my first marathon and I wouldn’t have picked a better one to start out with! Spectacular views at the top of every difficult pass made up for any pain. But the race was only one small part of the whole Mongolian adventure. Words as pictures can’t possibly describe the stunning landscape. You have to experience it yourself.

Thanks for bringing us to one of the last great wildernesses and running us through some of its most gorgeous spots. It’s a fantastic place with lovely people. Restores the urban soul.

We’ve all spend the last few days raving about how beautiful the course is. It’s certainly the most spectacular and pristine wilderness area I’ve ever visited. A bonus with this even is the feeling that I’m contributing something to help preserve the Park environment. For me it was more than just another run, it’s a lovely place to visit and a great holiday too.

Mongolia is a magical and pristine country. It is host to the most spectacular ultramarathon I can imagine. Wild reindeer running in front of you is the most inspiring and amazing thing nearing the end of a 100km race! This is a proud country of strong people. Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset gives one opportunity to run in this pristine wilderness, and to give something to the communities that host it.

We know that horses race but this is the first time we have seen human beings race. No Tsaatan could ever run that far, they would die.

I think such a marathon should be held every year like you plan – it is not damaging to the environment and these people are having a good time.

This adds a page of history to Hovsgol, people around here will remember this event for a long time. I would like to congratulate the participants.