Photos & Video
On the different pages/tabs you will find race photos and videos from past events. Enjoy the captured magical moments.
On the different pages/tabs you will find race results and race reports for past events. What is important to remember is that what ever you do and how fast you do it make sure it is fun and safe.
Race Report: 17th annual Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset trail ultra marathon,
5 August 2015
Did you hear about a fairy-tale part of the world in the north of Mongolia with untouched nature and vast open space, with Hovsgol Lake- the Dark Blue Pearl of Mongolia, surrounded by lush green hills, mountains reaching for the sky, and dense alpine forest of taiga? 96 rivers and streams empty in this majestic clear-watered lake being the second largest fresh water lake in the world and containing 1% of the world’ fresh water reserve. The whole area is the part of Hovsgol National Park. Never heard of it?
If you are a trail runner, adventurer and/or nature lover, you should have!
For the 17th year in a row, runners from all around the world gathered for a 100 and 42km race on a trail that many believe is “the world’s most beautiful 100km.” We typically run on horse trails through the National Park, along the lake or up in the mountains/forest with a total elevation gain/loss of 3365 meters.
Runners arrived from all over the world and converged at the meeting point at the Ginggis Khan Airport in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday, August 1th to travel together on a flight to Moron, 600 km northwest from Ulaanbaatar. From there we take 3 hours by jeep ride to the camp, on and off the road. This ride is our first encounter with the vast spaces of Mongolia, a country more than four times the size of Germany and population of only 2.8 million.
This makes Mongolia the most sparsely populated country in the world. You could run for days and days through rolling hills and lush green grassland, and you may not meet a person. May be a few sheep, or yaks, or a lonely horseman?
This year, we had a glitch when the airplane from Beijing arrived much too late and eight participants had to take a long bus ride to the camp on Sunday. All runners had a late arrival at camp, and were happy to finally slip into their local gers with raging fireplaces in the middle. Even in summer, nights here at altitude of 1600 meters above sea level are fresh, if not cold, but during the day, with sun, the temperatures are very pleasant.
The days before the race were not only used for rest and acclimatisation. All participants enjoyed everything this beautiful place has to offer: horseback riding with local horsemen’s escort, a canoe trip on the small lake near the camp or on the big lake, a walk in the forest, and even swimming in the lake. This last activity was nearly impossible in the previous years, but this summer seems to be exceptionally warm and dry. Even swampy parts on the course have been pretty dry, so you could arrive with dry shoes to the finishing line. And weather was simply perfect all week; a lot of sunshine, beautiful clouds forming above the lake and then only a quick shower either in the afternoon or during the night. But on the race day, weather was perfect; not too hot and no rain the whole day.
Many runners could simply not wait for the start, and so in the days prior to race day, they explored the first 17 km of course, all the way up Chichee pass at 2300 meters. Other runners explored other parts of the 42K course. And all attended the mandatory medical check which our doctor Ben (when he was not playing with his drone!?), performed with lot of humor and many good pieces of advice on what to do and what not to do for and during the race. The problem with Doc Ben is that you have to decide when to take him seriously and when to simply laugh at his humor.
Organiser´s had to double-check the trail and refresh the famous green markings on the stones and trees, to make sure that nobody gets lost, which was done in the week before the race, with help of Julia and Imai san.
A few people were down sick with a 24 hour bug of some kind in the days before the race, but everybody was able to run on the day.
This year, after running the race 13 times before, one special person decided that this will be his last 100K race with MS2S. Mongolia explorer and expert, great master in photography thinks that after hitting 70 he could didn’t have much chance of winning the veterans age group, but decided that this time he will do his best again. And of course, he succeeded. One evening he gave us a fantastic show of his most recent travels, and because of these memories and many others, we’ll be missing you next year Marc!
On race day, there was an early wake-up call at 03:00 with a Mongolian folk instrument. Moon was just setting behind the trees and sky was still full of stars, indicating good weather. It was just the right temperature too, and the start was sharp at 4:00am. Equipped with torches, the runners entered the dark and hilly forest for the first two kilometers, one of the most dangerous parts of the trail. We all run through the dark until the first aid station, but then as reward for climbing Chichee pass, there was a fascinating sunrise on the other side of the lake.
This time, again, one local athlete from Moron, well known for his previous top results in this race, Tumenbayar, was running from the very beginning, determined to win the men’s 100km. And he did it again this year without any real competition in 11:54. However, Fernando, in second place, seasoned athlete from Asturias, complained that he would have much better results if he would not have missed a course mark and had to double back: Come on Fernando, 12:40 is a great time too! Third in the men’s 100km was Andrew David within 14:29. We hope to see Tumenbayar running next year again.
We are so happy that the winner for the men’s 42K this year was a local Hovsgol runner and only 16 years old: Tuguldur in 5:11, followed by another local runner Lkhagvadavaa, arriving at 5:12.What a finish for 42K?! Third was Hugh Desmond with 5:44 and organisers have to apologise for not having Guinness for him at finishing line. A space for improvement! In this category we had the youngest ever runner who attended and finished, 14 years old Kevin Shuwen, his father Yueshang/Eric escorting him and arriving together within 8:53. Well done Kevin! More to come from Kevin, we imagine.
There were a few ambitious veteran men on the trail for 100K but many stopped at 42 or 55. Marc was hoping and believing that his “1000K” bicycle tour around Mongolia (again!? ) and the training before the race in the mountains of Hovsgol National Park, will work, and indeed he finished first in the veteran men category with a spectacular time of 15:36. If you would know Marc’s race number equaling his age, you would understand what a great performance this was. What will be MS2S without Marc running and giving participants on one of his evening slide shows of his traveling in Mongolia in remote places where even very few locals go. His photography is stunning. This year he traveled with his eight camel caravan in the West of Mongolia, shooting again fantastic photos and presenting these, and others, in an impressive slide show with carefully selected music. Next in the veteran men category for 100km was Nicolas, demonstrating a strong performance with 17:48 and sprinting to the finishing line, obviously running again on a magic mixture of soy, electrolyte, sodium chloride and who know what else? Should we start checking for doping?
42K for veteran men was won by Steen with great 6:37, followed by Robert with 7:19. Zvoni , third with 7:34, who was dreaming to follow his son Dinko on 100K, stopped when starting climbing the Jankai. He realised that at 65K he would be too late for a sauna and opted for this. It is important to be there, run and finish, whatever is on that day in your capacity. The rest is academic!
What about our ladies? Aurelia, a French expat living in Seoul, ran a great race and won the women’s 100km in strong 15:16. Next? She plans to go for 100 miles. Good luck Aurelia! Second was Laurel who came to beat the 42K time her dad run few years ago. Not only did she do this, but finished the 100K in 16:33. Simply great!
The fastest woman on 42K was Jennifer with 5:57, followed by Julia with 6:13. Actually Julia had very good acclimatisation and was ready for 100K, if it would not have been that her foot gave her a problem and she had to stop at 65K. Still a great performance! And: Julia, please, come again. We need you for the race, for yoga and for the great company. Third in this category was Shih-Fen with 7:22.
The veteran women 42k category was won by Anne with 7:19, who ran together with her husband in such nice peace and harmony that you could be only jealous looking at them. Great to see you so and, please, continue! Second in this class was experienced Rita with 7:20 with very impressive pace going up the hills.
We have listed the fastest three runners of each category below and here again congratulations to all runners and all winners, because we all did a very, very good job. And for a very good cause!
Special recognition for Chen Hua who managed to finish 40K, and His Heng who did finish her 100K, but in 18:54, after the closing of the finishing line. And Jean Paul who was not able to start early in the morning due to illness started to run the second 58K at noon and did the first 42K next morning, totalling time for 100K of 11:32. Great Jean-Paul and you have to come back to Mongolia to do it in that nearly winning time in a single day.
A few other things have to be mentioned.
The traditional horse trek again took place ten days before the race week, and eleven participants had a wonderful and adventurous time in the area east of the Hovsgol Lake, known for many rivers and few visitors. For the few runners among them, this was a good preparation for the race too.
Another group of twelve chose the offer of pre-race training and acclimatisation program from the race camp, filled with daily running or hiking, obligatory “yoga for runners” session every day, guided very professionally by Julia, scouting segments of running trail as well as helping refreshing markings for the trail. And there was still enough time for kayaking/canoeing, horse riding and enjoying easy runs and chats until it became dark around 11:00PM.
We consider repeating both activities next year. Stay tuned!
By the way, “yoga for runners” was on the program during the race week too and always well attended. Thank you Julia; great sessions!
Chalotte and Steen spent a few weeks before in Ulaanbaatar and Hatgal area working on the project of setting a local dairy cooperative with involvement of Danish experts. And making good progress! See more about it on the web page.
For those of you who follow the projects that are funded by the MS2S and by your consistent donations over the years, here is the summary of our progress for major projects:
– ecoLeap Foundation continues to organise the garbage collection in the Hovsgol National Park (840,000 hectares, bigger than Yellowstone park!?),with a new truck purchased recently (the old one we donated was no longer usable ) and a driver who with his daughter operates this for eco-Leap
– eco-Leap is continuing with innovative garbage bag distribution and collection at the main gate of the national park. The bags have ecological messages printed on them, together with instructions that all garbage brought in the park must be collected and carried out by each tourist in the provided bags. And the number of tourists is increasing because the road from Ulaanbaatar and Moron is getting better and better.
– We continue with a program of increasing ecological awareness-building activities in the Hovsgol National Park, and particularly the program with children in the local school in Hatgal.
– We support local shamanic and other kinds of rare local cultures.
Obviously, all proceedings of the race are used for above activities. This would not be enough if we would not have additional special donations throughout the year, and particularly during race week.
The day after the race was recovery day with exchanging stories and experience, followed by a special Mongolian dinner and an award ceremony. And it was difficult to go to the warm ger knowing that this is last evening and in the coming days you will no more have such a great bunch of running buddies around you, and the lake Hovsgol will be without you. And there you are tempted to promise yourself: ”I’ll be back!”
We took two separate flights back to Ulaanbaatar, settled in the hotel and met for a farewell dinner in “Mongol Nomads”, which a few of the more hard core followed with a session at an Irish pub and nobody remembers what was really going there and how it ended.
It is the strong impression of organisers that participants travelled home happy, proud and rich having this trail run experience, new friends, and beautiful pictures, real and “in the head” of pearl lakes, blue Mongolian sky and lush green or stone grey mountains in between.
There are so many things to remember, be it sauna in the camp, great singing and dancing performance of local musicians, Marc’s presentation or visiting as a group foot massage in Ulaanbaatar. Knowing all these, coming back is a good option. And ecoLeap will continue hard to protect this park as it is and as long as possible. Each runner/participant has made his/her contribution by being with us in this, on one hand wild and unspoiled, but on the other hand, absolutely beautiful and unique part of the world. Let us continue doing this together.
Finally, a big thank you to the many others who have been essential in making the event a success. What we would do without Shuree who was working “25 hours”, and the kitchen who did feed us well, sometimes at impossible times, Shuree, at the bar, having for us always cold drinks, the local musicians and dancers who again have been doing double duty to tend the ger fires and hot water thermoses. And all other personnel of the camp. It was great to be with you and we runners hope that we have not been too difficult to you.
2014
Race Report: 16th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset Ultra Trail
Aug.2014
Unique Place & Unique People
Yes, we started last year’s race report with the same subtitle and we have to repeat it. Difficult to imagine but it is truly a unique and pristine piece of nature: the crystal clear, mighty Lake Hovsgol, called “mother lake” by locals. The raw, rocky mountains. Chichee pass with its wonderful views of Lake Hovsgol and the panorama view all the way to the Siberian Mountains in the north. The mossy forests, the lakeside trails, the dry riverbeds, the seas of wildflowers, Edelweiss included and the aroma of herbs along the race course. The yak herds and the wild horses.
A unique group of people gathered at this beautiful place in August 2014. The local nomads, the Mongolian cooks, musicians and dancers. The horsemen and local nomads overlooking the course and helping at aid stations. The runners, this time from 13 countries, local runners included, seem to be a special breed, all very communicative, ready to help, jolly, disciplined, etc., making the job of the organizers even easier and more enjoyable.
Again Mongolia “legend” Marc Progin was there, a Swiss national who has travelled by bike through the most remote places of Mongolia and has taken part in MS2S for many times. Marc is a passionate photographer, organizes exhibitions, publishes photo books and put together an impressing slideshow for the MS2S runners (www.progin.com) on the third evening in the camp. He arrived much earlier and was training hard in the hills behind the lake (up to 2960 meters), getting ready for his speciality 100K. At 69 years young!?
A few runners came for their first 42K, intending to remember it “for the rest of their lives”. And a few who originally registered for 42K upgraded on the spot for 100K. And a few of those made it to 100! It seems that this sort of feat is possible, for many different reasons, only here.
There were all the helpers: Shuree, the good soul of the event, who was not only organizing everything in Toilogt camp, but worked long hours in preparation of the race and took great care of the participants in Ulaanbaatar, before and after the race. She had at her side in the camp the great assistance of Nemo, who had to refresh herself very quickly after a tough 12 days horse trek before the race. This time we had two race photographers, Khasar and Peter who have been everywhere and always, particularly on race day, taking stunning pictures. There was the race doctor Benjamin, Dr.Ben, taking great care of the runners’ needs, assisting locals and overall contributing to the high spirit in the camp. He was here for personal reasons, too: His partner Emma was here for her very first 42K. And of course Chalotte, very dedicated as the time-keeper, helper at the finish line, webmaster and co-organizer.
It’s all these people who help making the MS2S what it is – the world’s most beautiful 42k and 100k trail run. Let us be modest: one of most beautiful! Thank you so much everybody in the name of the organizers and all participants.
Before the Race
A few people arrived at the camp one full week before the race week, for better acclimatization and additional training. This worked so well that we are going to promote it for 2015, with guided training, hiking and relaxation. Stay tuned!
The rest of the participants came on Saturday from Ulaanbaatar on the late flight to Murun, then from Murun to Toilogt by car for late dinner of….,of course, pasta, carbo-loading for the race.
Once the group settled in gers or tippies in Toilogt camp at the lakeshore, the outside world seemed to stop turning. No internet, no news, no job, no stress. O yes, mobile phones are now reliably operational and we already miss the time when this was not the case. The only stress was now to get your mobile phone charged in the evening when the generator for electricity was in operation. Otherwise, only nature and other buddies runners!
On the first evening in camp, after dinner we had a cultural performance of a group of young musicians and dancers, in their traditional costumes playing/dancing typical tunes of Mongolia. A good way to start familiarizing with the country and its people!
Compared to the previous year, there is a new shower/bathrooms facility in the camp and the availability of hot water was excellent. And: No more old sauna, but new one has been promised for 2015!
For better acclimatizing to the altitude of 1’600 meters, the participants went out during the first few days for horseback riding, kayaking on the lake, hiking, mountain biking or checking/running along the race course. And we had our obligatory medical check-up spread across these two days. In anticipation of the race, a positive tension started to develop, with people exchanging experiences from previous races, advising each other, collecting stuff for “a poor runner” whose luggage did not make it to Mongolia, etc. And we had a nice session of “yoga for runners”. Thank you Julia, and we hope for more in the future!
Race Day
Wake up call was at 3:00a.m. with tunes of a traditional Mongolian horn. The atmosphere is fascinating and like a charge is in the air. Runners gather for a light breakfast and final control of everything needed in the backpack – compass, map, safety package, flashlight, rain gear. At 3:55am, the runners gather outside at the START sign. It’s cold and dark, many flashlights, last pictures taken, jumping and stretching to warm up the muscles…countdown and GO! The race starts and the runners disappear into the first 3k dark forest for a long day, for one very special push of their life.
Runners need to be especially cautious on these first 3k in the forest: trunks, trees, roots – it’s dark and slippery. But everyone is prepared and briefed well and makes it out of the forest without serious problems. A lakeside horse trail for the next 10k: The sun doesn’t rise yet, but the night slowly fades into the morning. It is magical. Some of the fast runners already pace up Chichee pass, while others only approach the first aid station at kilometre 12, welcomed by cheers and excellent service.
It is steep up the mountain on what used to be many years ago a narrow road built by Russians, but if you manage to lift your head, it is beautiful. The view on the Lake Hovsgol and our camp in the distance is spectacular. The sun rises and makes the scenery on Chichee pass unforgettable.
Wow, it’s beautiful. Damn, it’s steep!
The first downhill is a surprise. Steep, with loose rocks in the wet and high grass – it is important to take good care not putting too much weight on knees and ankles and not going too fast. Then follows one of the most beautiful parts of the race – simply stunning: Through marshy forests, riverbeds, past the 26k aid station, up a fairytale-like valley and up on Khirvesteg pass. “It is one of the most gorgeous parts of the race. But still, this is where some of you might curse me”, is what race director Nicolas had said the day before the race. And really, it is a mix. A mix between “Wow, it’s beautiful” and “Damn, that’s steep”. Because there is no path; just green markings on the trees and you have to find your way, looking for a next mark. All this on a carpet of thick moss and very, very steep. Up on the pass is a Mongolian Ovoo and again beautiful view on the lake and mountains around. Runners, according to local Shamanistic tradition, circle it three times clockwise to ensure good luck. And they need it!
After another demanding downhill, runners move back to the lakeside and finish the last 10k of the 42km marathon distance along beautiful horse trails. They pass yurts, herds of yaks and horses and run along the lake all the way back to the camp. Why run fast when every minute is just remarkable. Not for Alex who finishes the marathon first in a new record time of 3:48 hours. Living in the area of Hatgal, Alex was familiar with the course, but it seems that he had a lot of power left, because he jogged home for the next 10k. What a performance!? And the local Mongolian runner Batnyam came in second in 4:08 hours. Third was Anthony from New Zealand with 4:55. Another local runner Enkhtur won the veteran 42k category in 5:38, followed by organizer Steen from Denmark (6:46) and Imai-san from Japan (7:54). All three veterans actually ran more kilometers, with Enkhtur stopping at 65k, and the other two at 55k, qualifying for “42k only” but knowing in their hearts that they ran a lot farther. Steen, after stopping at 55k, took a horse for a 12k ride along the lake back to the camp. Where else in the world could you do something like this? Well done Steen!
The fastest lady in the 42km race was Rose with 6:19, an American runner working for Peace Corps in Gobi, teaching English in a local school, supported by her mum Debra, waiting at the finishing line, cheering and working as a volunteer there. Second came Sarah with a great time of 6:25 in this very tough mountain marathon with over 2000 meters elevation gain and loss. Congrats! Swedish Emma, in her first ever marathon, ranked third female with a time of 7:27 hours. In the veteran category Ylva won with 12:15, but it has to be pointed out that she and Lars got lost, went to the top of Chichee, rambled around and only then returned to the right track. Influenced by the magic of the mountain they went to the 2400 meters top. “Beautiful view!”, they said later.
We have been extremely lucky with the weather having a sun in the first half of the day and yet not that hot. But this was for 42k.
To continue, or not? 58k more to go!
While some of the runners enjoyed their well deserved beer or cooled their sore feet in Hovsgol Lake, for ultra runners the 42k mark was “just another aid station”. They had 58k to go, along the lake, on a new trail away from the lake and in the forests, into the valleys, up on Jankhai pass on a new horse trail staying left of the road all the way to 76k. This year again at the top of Jankai pass our trail was going through the meadow full of Edelweiss. Hundreds and hundreds of them, and we believe that our photographers documented this very well. Modot Bulan aid station, being again the turning point in the south with a cut-off time of 14 hours. A beautiful but tough course of 12k along the lake lead runners back to the north, through the forest and with lots of mud, which was very slippery. And after reaching Jankhai aid station again, now at 88k, the last stretch along the lake to the camp followed. In the afternoon a few runners have been caught by rain, even hail, but luckily neither lasted very long.
In total 100 extremely tough kilometres with an accumulated elevation gain/loss of 3,365 meters! And multiple measurements with Garmin watches provided values 99.6 to 99.8k; pretty close to what many believe is more than 100k. This was a completely new and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many and some committed on the spot to be next year again with us.
Sean, a passionate and very fast marathon runner, started strong and his early lead of 30 minutes in front of followers stayed until the end, winning 100k with time of 13:37 hours. When he crossed the finish line, cheered on by many fellow runners, he seemed to still have a lot of energy. Second was Adrian from Spain with a great time of 14:08, especially considering that he only decided to go for the 100k distance a week before the race, during the horse trek. Hasta la vittoria Adrian! “A poor runner” who did not get his luggage, running in borrowed stuff, was Guy from Australia, and he finished third with 14:18, honoured particularly with his wife Anja who was waiting and helping at the finishing line. Try to imagine how fast he would be with his own equipment?
Experience and fighting spirit counts. When Marc, old fox from Switzerland, learned at 88k aid station that the difference to Hans and Philippe was “only 20 minutes”, he was running all the way to the finish line, catching up in a dramatic sprint and entering the finish line together with Hans. As a result, they share the first place 100k veterans with remarkable 14:52. See you next year, Marc! You promised to run again 100k at 70 years old! What a spirit! Third was Lars-Goeran with 16:13, adding this race to his collection of over 200 marathons and ultras all around the world. Nicolas, the organizer was fourth and he has to be mentioned as the only one running all 16 races. Keep going Nicolas, we are proud of you!
Rhonda was the fastest female 100k runner with an impressive time of 14:25, especially considering that she lives and trains in downtown Cairo. Does anybody know a trail, or hill there? Only pyramids? Second was Kylie with a time of 14:30,”her first and last 100” (but we do not believe her!), followed by Nicole in 15:54 hours. We are free here to quote Kylie: “It’s hard not to enjoy a run in such a stunning place.” The only runner that managed to finish in the ladies’ 100k veteran category was Isabelle from France – having experience from many other ultras, like Guadalupe, Sahara, Barceló, etc., and running for a good cause, she finished this ultra distance in 18:12! Bravo Isabelle!!
We received many compliments about helpers at aid stations, all Mongolians, nomads, in their traditional robes, horsemen included. A few quotes from participants include “aid stations were fabulous”, “those local helpers really made my day”, “such care and joy”, ”made me laugh and smile every time”, “so helpful”, “I got a flower”, etc. Yes, these are the nomads of Mongolia. They recognize what we/you are doing for them and even without it, with their kindness and hospitality, they act as they do.
Stay close with us!
A picture says more than 1000 words. We will provide selected race photos from Peter and Khasar on the internet and provide possibility for sharing photos and videos of all interested participants on a similar way. Please check www.MS2S.org and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MongoliaSunriseToSunset) in the coming days and weeks. Please share your photos and videos. Thank you again Peter and Khasar for your very hard work.
The 17th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset will take place on August 5th 2015! Please, come back (a few already promised!) and help us to spread the word. It was great having you in Mongolia, racing on mountains and along the “mother lake”, and herewith helping to provide funds for activities of our ecoLeap Foundation www.ecoleap.org , protecting the environment and keeping this national park so clean and nice for future races and for all visitors to come.
From this year’s MS2S organizing team
Shuree, Nicolas, Steen and Zvoni
Race Results and Race Report
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 2013
100 km Ultramarathon and 42 km Marathon
7th August 2013, Lake Hovsgol National Park, Mongolia
| 42 KM Female | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | |
5 | Rebecca | Botwright | 1 | 09.08.00 | 05.08.00 | ||||
77 | Vinecki | Winter | 2 | 09.55.00 | 05.55.00 | ||||
64 | Kano | Megumi | 3 | 10.17.00 | 06.17.00 | ||||
59 | Vanhaeverbeke | Stephanie | 4 | 11.04.00 | 07.04.00 | ||||
15 | Takayama | Miho | 5 | 11.20.00 | 07.20.00 | ||||
68 | Eltschinger | Maureen | 6 | 11.22.00 | 07.22.00 | ||||
78 | Estelle | Dawn | 7 | 11.37.00 | 07.37.00 | ||||
22 | Glasgo | Emily | 8 | 12.53.00 | 08.53.00 | ||||
79 | Gormley | Aisling Mary | 9 | 13.11.00 | 09.11.00 | ||||
80 | Pardini | Margaret | 10 | 13.11.00 | 09.11.00 | ||||
100 | Tan | Li San | 11 | 13.25.00 | 09.25.00 | ||||
62 | He | Jiawen | 12 | 13.42.00 | 09.42.00 | ||||
75 | Mielcarz | Jessica | 13 | 15.10.00 | 11.10.00 | ||||
| 42 Female Veteran | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | |
65 | Isaac | Sarah | 1 | 12.05.00 | 08.05.00 | ||||
66 | Reid | Judith | 2 | 16.47.00 | 12.47.00 | ||||
| 42 KM Male | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | |
32 | Donato | Simon | 1 | 08.24.00 | 04.24.00 | ||||
69 | Nievergelt | Andrea | 2 | 08.38.00 | 04.38.00 | ||||
57 | Baatar | Baasanjav | 3 | 08.44.00 | 04.44.00 | ||||
2 | Shagdar | Tumenbayar | 4 | 08.45.00 | 04.45.00 | ||||
55 | Purevtsogt | Batnyam | 5 | 09.02.00 | 05.02.00 | ||||
52 | Nyamsuren | Batzaya | 6 | 09.03.00 | 05.03.00 | ||||
51 | Batbayar | Gansukh | 7 | 09.21.00 | 05.21.00 | ||||
85 | Batochip | Batnold | 8 | 09.41.00 | 05.41.00 | ||||
38 | Dessy | Gaspard | 9 | 55 | 09.43.00 | 11.48.00 | 05.43.00 | ||
53 | Tumur | Batnyam | 10 | 09.48.00 | 05.48.00 | ||||
33 | Hagen | Bernhard | 11 | 09.54.00 | 05.54.00 | ||||
84 | Sandagdorj | Zayat | 12 | 09.54.00 | 05.54.00 | ||||
81 | Alves Bezerra | Hugo Leonardo | 13 | 10.11.00 | 06.11.00 | ||||
56 | Sandagdorj | Otgonulzi | 14 | 10.14.00 | 06.14.00 | ||||
87 | Matton | Xavier | 15 | 10.20.00 | 06.20.00 | ||||
86 | Montoisy | Andoni | 16 | 10.25.00 | 06.25.00 | ||||
63 | Cadorette | Travis | 17 | 10.27.00 | 06.27.00 | ||||
71 | Meris | Marco | 18 | 10.39.00 | 06.39.00 | ||||
73 | Pantalone | Francesco | 19 | 10.46.00 | 06.46.00 | ||||
60 | Marshallsay | Andrew | 20 | 11.02.00 | 07.02.00 | ||||
88 | Holck | Steen | 21 | 11.11.00 | 07.11.00 | ||||
18 | Eltschinger | Cyrill | 22 | 11.18.00 | 07.18.00 | ||||
72 | Masters | William | 23 | 11.43.00 | 07.43.00 | ||||
37 | Kerkhove | Gautier | 24 | 12.18.00 | 08.18.00 | ||||
54 | Purevtsogt | Battulga | 25 | 13.11.00 | 09.11.00 | ||||
16 | Gan | Daniel | 26 | 15.03.00 | 11.03.00 | ||||
76 | Collier | Gavin | 27 | 15.10.00 | 11.10.00 | ||||
| 42 KM Male Veteran | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | |
58 | Mickey | Cofer | 1 | 10.33.00 | 06.33.00 | ||||
7 | Musy | Nicolas | 2 | 76 | 10.39.00 | 16.35.00 | 06.39.00 | ||
82 | Clinton | Michael | 3 | 10.46.00 | 06.46.00 | ||||
61 | Krohn | Timothy | 4 | 10.47.00 | 06.47.00 | ||||
70 | Nievergelt | Thomas | 5 | 10.50.00 | 06.50.00 | ||||
30 | Imai | Yasufumi | 6 | 65 | 11.05.00 | 16.03.00 | 07.05.00 | ||
83 | Hardeman | Cornelis | 7 | 11.47.00 | 07.47.00 | ||||
24 | Grobenski | Zvonimir | 8 | 11.47.00 | 07.47.00 | ||||
67 | Sudbeck | Robert | 9 | 16.57.00 | 12.57.00 | ||||
| 100 KM Female | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
26 | Edson | Sarah | 1 | 09.11.00 | 17.55.00 | 05.11.00 | 13.55.00 | ||
27 | Davis | Jane | 2 | 09.50.00 | 19.42.00 | 05.50.00 | 15.42.00 | ||
12 | Dabley | Linda | 3 | 10.17.00 | 21.10.00 | 06.17.00 | 17.10.00 | ||
| 100 KM Female Veteran | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
36 | Hamaguchi | Sachiko | 1 | 11.21.00 | 22.40.00 | 07.21.00 | 18.40.00 | ||
| 100 KM Male | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
20 | Schenk | Jonas | 1 | 08.30.00 | 14.44.00 | 04.30.00 | 10.44.00 | ||
9 | Lee | Brendan | 2 | 09.07.00 | 15.47.00 | 05.07.00 | 11.47.00 | ||
34 | Trebilcock | Paul Philip | 3 | 08.49.00 | 16.59.00 | 04.49.00 | 12.59.00 | ||
3 | Krzan | Noah Christopher | 4 | 09.55.00 | 18.12.00 | 05.55.00 | 14.12.00 | ||
39 | Roelandts | Jonathan | 5 | 09.43.00 | 18.12.00 | 05.43.00 | 14.12.00 | ||
35 | Dudek | David | 6 | 09.50.00 | 18.50.00 | 05.50.00 | 14.50.00 | ||
28 | Soulie | Mathieu | 6 | 09.55.00 | 18.50.00 | 05.55.00 | 14.50.00 | ||
25 | Hirst | Richard | 8 | 09.59.00 | 18.57.00 | 05.59.00 | 14.57.00 | ||
6 | Eastwood | Andrew David | 9 | 09.42.00 | 19.28.00 | 05.42.00 | 15.28.00 | ||
29 | Suntharaphat | Rahtee | 10 | 10.08.00 | 19.49.00 | 06.08.00 | 15.49.00 | ||
23 | Glasgo | Curtis | 11 | 09.40.00 | 19.53.00 | 05.40.00 | 15.53.00 | ||
10 | Agustin | Rogie | 12 | 09.54.00 | 19.55.00 | 05.54.00 | 15.55.00 | ||
11 | IJsselmuiden | Samuel | 13 | 10.10.00 | 20.00.00 | 06.10.00 | 16.00.00 | ||
17 | Henke | Thomas | 14 | 10.04.00 | 20.10.00 | 06.04.00 | 16.10.00 | ||
4 | Concannon | Paul | 15 | 09.58.00 | 22.06.00 | 05.58.00 | 18.06.00 | ||
| 100 KM Male Veteran | |||||||||
Race No | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Time when stopped | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
21 | Wielenga | Doekle Johannes | 1 | 09.19.00 | 17.33.00 | 05.19.00 | 13.33.00 | ||
8 | Progin | Marc | 2 | 09.58.00 | 18.40.00 | 05.58.00 | 14.40.00 | ||
19 | Amhof | Eric | 3 | 09.39.00 | 19.48.00 | 05.39.00 | 15.48.00 | ||
1 | Nuuree | Enkhtur | 4 | 09.53.00 | 20.53.00 | 05.53.00 | 16.53.00 | ||
14 | Isaac | Simon | 5 | 10.49.00 | 21.10.00 | 06.49.00 | 17.10.00 | ||
31 | Murakami | Tadashi | 6 | 11.21.00 | 22.40.00 | 07.21.00 | 18.40.00 | ||
Race Report: 15th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset
Unique Place & Unique People
Yes, it is truly a unique and pristine piece of nature: the crystal clear, mighty Lake Hovsgol, called “mother lake” by locals. The raw, rocky mountains. Chichee pass with its wonderful views of Lake Hovsgol and the panorama view all the way to the Siberian Mountains in the north. The mossy forests, the lakeside trails, the dry riverbeds, the seas of wildflowers and the aroma of herbs along the race course. The yak herds and the wild horses.
And yes, it was a unique group of people that gathered at this beautiful place in August 2013: The local nomads, the Mongolian cooks, musicians and dancers. The horsemen overlooking the course and helping at aid stations. The runners from no less than 22 countries: From Canada and China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, the United States and many more.
Among the participants was a Canadian TV crew, following Simon and Turbo, hosts of the adventure TV series “Boundless” (https://tv.esquire.com/shows/boundless) on their quest to complete the most beautiful 100k of their life. There was Mongolia “legend” Marc Progin, a Swiss national who travelled by bike through the most remote places of Mongolia and took part in MS2S for many times. Marc is a passionate photographer, organizes exhibitions, publishes photo books and put together an impressing slideshow for the MS2S runners (https://www.progin.com).
There was 14-year old Winter Vinecki, raising money for prostate cancer research after her dad passed away when she was 9 years old. Winter aims to be the youngest runner to complete a marathon on every continent. After Mongolia, only two are left (www.teamwinter.org).
There were Andrew and Rogie, two US soldiers based in South Korea, who decided to step up the training program quite a bit. There was Sarah, organizer of the Amazing Maasai Ultra in Kenya (www.amazingmaasaiultra.org). Sarah ran the MS2S for a second time after an injury slowed her down at her first Mongolia visit.
There were all the helpers: Erke, the good soul of the event, who organized everything in Toilogt camp. Shuree, who took care of participants in Ulaanbaatar. Fredrik, a Swedish expat in Beijing, volunteered as race photographer and took stunning pictures. Maite from France supported the organizing team as an intern on the spot. Imai, a Japanese runner who fell in love with Mongolia a year before, came back and brought his wife and Japanese friends along. Imai also supported the MS2S with Japanese translations of brochures and flyers. There were the race doctors Martin and Benjamin, taking care of the runners’ needs and always dedicated to minimize risks. And of course Chalotte, the time-keeper, webmaster and co-organizer.
We cannot thank all of you enough. It’s the people who help making the MS2S what it is – the world’s most beautiful 42k and 100k run.
Acclimatizing in Paradise
From Ulaanbaatar to Murun by plane, from Murun to Toilogt in Russian vans. Thanks to a new road leading all the way to Lake Hovsgol, the second part of the trip turned out to be much easier and faster than it was a few years back. What once was a bumpy, tiring four hour journey is now a quite relaxing two hour drive
Once the group arrived in Toilogt camp at the lakeshore, the outside world seemed to stop turning. No cell phones, no internet, no news, no job, no stress. Just nature and a group of friends preparing for the run of their life!
On the first evening in camp, fellow runner Dave, from Detroit but based in Amsterdam, organized a Hash run including a few beers, limbo dance and a get-together at the campfire. A great way to get to know each other and start into an amazing week…
Acclimatizing to the altitude of 1’600 meters is rather easy in a beautiful place like this: The MS2S participants went out for horseback riding, kayaking on the lake, hiking, mountain biking or checking the race course.
Race Day
3am in the morning – wake up call at camp Toilogt. The atmosphere is fascinating. Starry sky, a cold breeze; runners gather in the breakfast room, have a bite, a hot tea. Gear check – compass, flashlight, rain gear; it is a mix of pure excitement and nervousness. At 3:55am, the 77 runners gather outside at the START sign. Its cold and dark, many flashlights, last pictures taken, jumping and stretching to warm up the muscles…countdown and BAMM! The race starts and the runners enthusiastically head into the dark forest for the first 2k.
Runners need to be especially cautious on these first 2k in the forest: trunks, trees, roots – it’s dark and slippery. But everyone is prepared and briefed well and makes it out of the forest without serious problems. A lakeside horse trail for the next 10k: The sun doesn’t rise yet, but the night slowly fades into the morning. It is magical. Some of the fast runners already pace up Chichee pass, while others only approach the first aid station at kilometre 12.
It is steep up the mountain, but every single step is beautiful. Mist over Lake Hovsgol. The view is spectacular. The sun rises and makes the scenery on Chichee pass just perfect. Fredrik, the race photographer, waits up there with his equipment and takes some of the most beautiful pictures, with the lake, the mountains, the mist, the sunrise and the runners who just overcame the first of many obstacles on this tough course.
Wow, it’s beautiful. Damn, it’s steep!
The first downhill is steep and tricky. Loose rocks, wet grass – it is important to take care and don’t put too much pressure on knees and ankles. Then follows one of the most beautiful parts of the race– simply stunning: Through marshy forests, riverbeds, past the 25k aid station, up a fairytale-like valley and up on Khirvesteg pass. “It is one of the most gorgeous parts of the race. But still, this is where some of you might curse me”, is what race director Nicolas had said the day before the race. And really, it is a mix. A mix between “Wow, it’s beautiful” and “Damn, that’s steep”. Up on the pass is a Mongolian Ovoo. Runners circle it three times clockwise to ensure good luck.
After another demanding downhill, runners move back to the lakeside and finish the last 10k of the marathon distance along beautiful horse trails. They pass yurts, herds of yaks and horses and run along the lake all the way back to the camp. Every minute is just remarkable. Simon, host of the Canadian TV show Boundless, finishes the marathon first in a great time of 4:24 hours. He wanted to run the 100k, but got knee problems during the two downhill sections. An injury from a mountain bike race a few weeks earlier was too much for him to complete the 100k. Swiss athlete Andrea, who cycled the whole 42k course on a mountain bike two days before the race, finished second in 4:38 hours. And the local Mongolian runner Baasanjav came in third in 4:44 hours. Mickey won the veteran 42k category in 6:33, followed by organizer Nicolas from Switzerland (6:39) and Michael from the USA (6:46).
The fastest lady was Becky, a UK runner based in Doha who came to Mongolia with her boyfriend and 100k finisher Paul. Becky crossed the 42k finish line after astonishing 5:08 hours. Second came 14-year old Winter with a great time of 5:55 in this tough mountain marathon. Congrats Winter, what you do is really inspiring! Japanese Megumi ranked third female with a time of 6:17 hours. In the veteran category, Sarah won in 8:05 followed by Judith (12:47).
100k – 42k = 58k to go!
While some of the runners enjoyed their well deserved Chinggis beer or cooled their sore feet in Hovsgol Lake, for other MS2S participants the 42k mark was just one of many aid stations. The ultra runners had 58k to go. 58k along the lake, in the forests, into the valleys, up on Jankhai pass and all the way back to Toilogt camp. 100 extremely tough kilometres with an accumulated elevation gain/loss of 3,365 meters! For most of the runners, this was a completely new experience, a new personal record and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Swiss athlete Jonas, a passionate and very fast marathon runner, decided to try an ultra marathon for the first time in his life. When he crossed the finish line, cheered up by many fellow runners, he seemed to have burned the last drop of energy. Race doctor Martin helped him to sit down on a chair. Completely exhausted, shaky knees, out of breath; but: a fantastic winning time of 10:44 hours! After some water, tea and soup, Jonas regained energy very quickly and enjoyed his victory – the second best time ever achieved at MS2S! Second was Brendan from New Zealand with a great time of 11:47, followed by TV host Turbo in 12:59 hours. Turbo was out of energy after 35k already, needed to walk to the 42 finish line, but regained energy after eating more. He was able to keep on running after 45k and made an emotional finish – an extremely tough race! We can’t wait to see the Boundless Mongolia episode…
Experience counts: Multiple MS2S participants Doekle, Marc and Eric finished first, second and third in the 100k veterans’ race. Doekle finished in remarkable 13:33, Marc in strong 14:40, Eric in a great time of 15:48. See you next year, gentlemen!
Sarah was the fastest female 100k runner with an impressing time of 13:55. Congrats and good luck with your Kenya race, Sarah! Second was Jane with a time of 15:42, followed by Linda in 17:10 hours. The only runner that managed to finish in the ladies’ 100k veteran category was Sachiko from Japan – she finished ultra distance in 18:40! Congratulations
Follow us on Facebook!
A picture says more than 1000 words. We will upload some of Fredrik’s race photos to www.MS2S.org and to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MongoliaSunriseToSunset) in the coming days and weeks. Please also share your photos and videos. The 16th Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset will take place on August 6th 2014! Please help us to spread the word. It would be great to see you again in Mongolia, at the “mother lake”!
Your MS2S organizing team
Race Results
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 2012, 100 km Ultramarathon and 42 km Marathon
1st August 2012, Lake Hovsgol National Park, Mongolia
| Women 42km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 41 | Storm | Ina | 1 | 10:46:00 | 6:16:00 | |||
| 42 | Pimentel | Brittany | 1 | 10:46:00 | 6:16:00 | |||
| 26 | DePaulo | Suzanne | 3 | 76 | 11:01:00 | 6:31:00 | ||
| 15 | Holmes | Leslie | 4 | 42 | 11:34:00 | 7:04:00 | ||
| 66 | Wang | Zhen-Amy | 5 | 12:01:00 | 7:31:00 | |||
| 68 | Eltschinger | Maureen | 6 | 12:11:00 | 7:41:00 | |||
| 62 | Goh | Yan Kim | 7 | 12:26:00 | 7:56:00 | |||
| 5 | Laatsch | Danielle | 8 | 42 | 12:41:00 | 8:11:00 | ||
| 29 | Yan | Jennifer | 9 | 55 | 12:50:00 | 8:20:00 | ||
| 46 | Yin | Dina Jie | 10 | 13:48:00 | 9:18:00 | |||
| Women veteran 42km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 34 | Schulz | Barbara | 1 | 42 | 11:28:00 | 6:58:00 | ||
| 16 | Tuft | Eva Irene | 2 | 61.3 | 12:16:00 | 7:46:00 | ||
| 49 | Croft | Mary | 3 | 12:34:00 | 8:04:00 | |||
| 47 | Chang | Hsiu Chu | 4 | 13:01:00 | 8:31:00 | |||
| 48 | Hsieh | Shu-Chen | 5 | 15:25:00 | 10:55:00 | |||
| Women 100km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 23 | Gut | Viviane | 1 | 10:13:00 | 18:07:00 | 5:43:00 | 13:37:00 | |
| 20 | Warfield | Rosemary | 2 | 10:45:00 | 19:27:00 | 6:15:00 | 14:57:00 | |
| 2 | Hepworth | Annabel | 3 | 11:25:00 | 21:25:00 | 6:55:00 | 16:55:00 | |
| Men 42km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 51 | Sandagdorj | Bat Ulzi | 1 | 09:44:00 | 5:14:00 | |||
| 8 | Holck | Steen | 2 | 42 | 10:59:00 | 6:29:00 | ||
| 27 | Reed | Robert | 3 | 76 | 11:01:00 | 6:31:00 | ||
| 35 | Penka | Sebastian | 4 | 42 | 11:28:00 | 6:58:00 | ||
| 22 | Hassel | Henrik | 5 | 42 | 11:36:00 | 7:06:00 | ||
| 18 | Eltschinger | Cyrill | 6 | 42 | 12:42:00 | 8:12:00 | ||
| 55 | Baatar | Tuvshintur | 7 | 12:48:00 | 8:18:00 | |||
| 25 | Kho | Guan Kheng | 8 | 42 | 12:50:00 | 8:20:00 | ||
| Men 100km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 3 | Vieux | Florian | 1 | 08:25:00 | 14:33:00 | 3:55:00 | 10:03:00 | |
| 32 | Dawson | Andrew | 2 | 08:52:00 | 15:33:00 | 4:22:00 | 11:03:00 | |
| 1 | Shagdar | Tumenbayar | 3 | 09:09:00 | 16:58:00 | 4:39:00 | 12:28:00 | |
| 4 | Ong | Kai Wei | 4 | 09:29:00 | 17:03:00 | 4:59:00 | 12:33:00 | |
| 33 | Bruwer | Frank | 5 | 09:23:00 | 17:04:00 | 4:53:00 | 12:34:00 | |
| 28 | Trueman | James | 6 | 10:06:00 | 18:56:00 | 5:36:00 | 14:26:00 | |
| 17 | Burr | Benjamin | 7 | 10:27:00 | 19:20:00 | 5:57:00 | 14:50:00 | |
| 19 | Henderson | Dale | 8 | 10:27:00 | 19:27:00 | 5:57:00 | 14:57:00 | |
| 21 | Yuen | Kai Simon | 9 | 10:54:00 | 20:21:00 | 6:24:00 | 15:51:00 | |
| 38 | Lieu | Dayan | 10 | 10:57:00 | 21:25:00 | 6:27:00 | 16:55:00 | |
| 40 | Saikhan Ulzi | Ganbold | 11 | 10:30:00 | 21:40:00 | 6:00:00 | 17:10:00 | |
| 30 | Yan | Matthew | 12 | 10:43:00 | 21:52:00 | 6:13:00 | 17:22:00 | |
| 6 | Laatsch | Jonathan | 13 | 11:43:00 | 22:10:00 | 7:13:00 | 17:40:00 | |
| Men Veteran 42km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 43 | Hopkins | Peter | 1 | 11:54:00 | 7:24:00 | |||
| 9 | Grobenski | Zvonimir | 2 | 76 | 12:06:00 | 7:36:00 | ||
| 14 | Holmes | Richard | 3 | 42 | 12:19:00 | 7:49:00 | ||
| 10 | MURAKAMI | Tadashi | 4 | 42 | 12:26:00 | 7:56:00 | ||
| Men Veteran 100km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 24 | WIELENGA | Doekle Johannes | 1 | 10:05:00 | 18:41:00 | 5:35:00 | 14:11:00 | |
| 67 | Progin | Marc | 2 | 10:31:00 | 18:56:00 | 6:01:00 | 14:26:00 | |
| 31 | Wu | Hung-Ta | 3 | 10:38:00 | 20:37:00 | 6:08:00 | 16:07:00 | |
| 7 | Musy | Nicolas | 4 | 10:37:00 | 20:57:00 | 6:07:00 | 16:27:00 | |
| 11 | KATO | Shigeyuki | 5 | 10:58:00 | 21:17:00 | 6:28:00 | 16:47:00 | |
| 12 | IMAI | Yasufumi | 6 | 11:28:00 | 22:40:00 | 6:58:00 | 18:10:00 | |
| 25km | ||||||||
| Race No | LASTNAME | FIRSTNAME | Rank | Distance if not completed | Arrival Time Toilogt 42K | Arrival Time Toilogt 100K | Running Time 42K | Running Time 100K |
| 50 | Holmes | Jeanne | 1 | 08:17:00 | 3:47:00 | |||
| 71 | Fabius | Jacqueline | 2+3 | 09:23:00 | 4:53:00 | |||
| 45 | Nordby | Bjorn Anders | 2+3 | 09:23:00 | 4:53:00 | |||
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 2012 Race Report – 14th edition 1st August 2012
We write to you from a fairy-tale part of the world in the north of Mongolia with untouched nature and vast open space, with Hovsgol Lake- the Dark Blue Pearl of Mongolia, surrounded by lush green hills, mountains reaching for the sky, and dense alpine forest of taiga. 96 rivers and streams empty in this majestic clear-watered lake being the second largest fresh water lake in the world and containing 1% of the world’ fresh water reserve. The whole area is the part of Hovsgol National Park. Never heard of it?
If you are a trail runner, adventurer and/or nature lover, you should!
For the 14th year in a row, runners from all around the world gathered for a 100 and 42km race on a trail that many believe is “the world’s most beautiful 100km”. We run typically on horse trails through the National Park, along the lake or up in the mountains/forest with a total elevation gain/loss of 3365 meters. This year, 20 nationalities came – from New Zealand and Australia to the USA, from Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, to Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Norway etc.; part of the fun is that the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset family is global! Runners arrived from all these countries at the meeting point at the Genghis Khan Airport in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday, July 28th to travel together on a flight to Morun, 600 km northwest from Ulaanbaatar. From there we take 3 hours by jeep ride to the camp, on and off the road. This ride is our first encounter with vast spaces of Mongolia, a country more than four times the size of Germany and population of only 2.8 million. This makes Mongolia the most sparsely populated country in the world. You could run for days and days through rolling hills and lush green grassland, and you may not meet a person. Maybe a few sheep, or yaks, or a lonely horseman? This year, we had a glitch when one of our vehicles broke down half way and participants started to enjoy the clear stars, waiting for the better equipped good ol’ Russian jeeps to be sent back. These runners had a late arrival at camp, and were happy to finally slip into their local gers with raging fireplaces in the middle. Even in summer, nights here at altitude of 1600 meters above sea level are fresh, if not cold.
The days before the race were not only used for rest and acclimatization. All participants enjoyed everything this beautiful place has to offer: horseback riding with local horseman’s escort, fishing on the lake, mountain biking, a canoe trip on the small lake near the camp or on the big lake, a walk in forest, and even swimming in the lake. This was nearly impossible in the previous years, but this summer seems to be exceptionally warm and dry. Even swampy parts on the course have been pretty dry, so you could arrive with dry shoes to the finishing line. And weather was all week simply perfect; a lot of sunshine, beautiful clouds forming above the lake and then nearly every day a quick shower either in the afternoon or during the night: and these conditions were the same on race day too!
Many runners could simply not wait for the start and explored the first 17km of course, all the way up Chichee pass at 2300 meters. And all attended the mandatory medical check which our doctor Martin preformed with lot of humor and many good pieces of advice on what to do and what not to do for and during the race. If he knows it so well, why he is not running with us? He has actually run few times shorter distances and seems that is developing a taste for running. Go Martin, go!
Organizers had to double-check the trail and refresh the famous green markings on the stones and trees, to make sure that nobody gets lost. And by doing this they managed to spill a full container of green paint in the back part of new jeep belonging to wife of owner of the camp. Someone had to clean the car until very late in the night to make it usable for the next morning. And we had to prepare a fresh container of paint for marking the second half of the course.
This year, two special people decided to do something even more courageous than running 100K.
They decided to run the rest of their life together. Chalotte Vad, our time keeper from last year’s race, and Steen Holck, 100km experienced runner and member of MS2S organizing team, went first on a long horse trek visiting a local shaman. Usually we ask this shaman to help us arrange good weather for the race. This time, in addition, he performed a wedding ceremony! And, later back in the camp, on the shore of lake Hovsgol, we had a wedding party, with traditional Mongolian food and music, bonfire and happy people.
Good luck and happy life together Chalotte & Steen, our “first MS2S couple”!
On the race day, there was an early wake- up call at 03:00 with a Mongolian folk song. Full moon was just setting behind the trees and sky was still full of stars, indicating good weather. It was just the right temperature too, and just before start at 4:30am we were all singing “We shall overcome….”. This lifted spirits and charged us up for what was in front of us. Equipped with torches, the runners entered the dark and hilly forest for the first two kilometers, one of the most dangerous parts of the trail.
This time, again, one athlete was running from the very beginning, not only to win, but to set a record. Was it coincidence that Aug.1st is a national holiday in Switzerland, and that Florian, who is Swiss, has his birthday on very same day? He was so fast that at 12km, the Chichee Aid Station staff were totally surprised and a touch unprepared to see him. He just ran through the check point and went straight up the hill, running the whole way up this very grueling 700 meter climb. And he kept moving fast the rest of the race, coming in at 42km in 3:55 and then winning 100km in the new record of spectacular 10:03, which is 30 minutes better than the previous record of Gregory Feucht from 2005 race. Congratulations Florian! Second was Andrew with impressive 11:03 and guess, his birthday was on Aug.2nd. What a wonderful present he made himself for the birthday!?! Third for the 100km has to be mentioned as well. Tumenbayar from the athletic club in Moron finished with 12:28, but in running shoes some runners would not be able to run 10km in. Immediately after the race one fine lady runner donated to ecoLap enough money to purchase him some new running shoes. Very nice gesture and we hope to see Tumenbayar next year.
We are so happy that the winner for the men’s 42km this year was the local Hovsgol runner , 21 years old, Bat Ulzi, youngest of three brothers from nomad family Sandagdorj. His brothers ran in previous races and the father Sandagdorj is long-time supporter of our race and our program of keeping the park clean, winning a few times the award of environmentally cleanest ger in the park and working this time as well as a volunteer at the Chichee aid station, very enthusiastically cheering all runners. Steen was second place in the 42km, and opted this time, serious as a married man should be, not to continue on for the rest of the 100km. Next year Steen!
There have been a few ambitious veterans on the trail for 100km. Doekle Johannes argued before the race that sufficient protein intake during the run is a key to success and he proved this by winning with 14:11, drinking soy milk all the way, herewith our “soy-winner”. Marc did not like to switch (yet! ) to soy, believing more in his two weeks training/preparations in the mountains of Hovsgol National Park, and finishing second with impressive 14:26, sorry that he did not push a bit stronger in the last 12km. If you would know Marc’s race number equaling his age, you would understand what a great performance this was. What would be MS2S without Marc running and giving participants on one of his evening slide shows of his traveling in Mongolia in remote places where even few locals go. His photography is stunning. This year in winter he traveled with his eight camel caravan in the West of Mongolia, shooting again fantastic photos and presenting these, and others, in an impressive slide show with carefully selected music. One minute behind Marc was Nicolas, demonstrating a strong performance, running on a magic mixture of soy, electrolyte, sodium chloride and who know what else? Should we start checking for doping?
42km for veterans has been won by Peter Hopkins with 7:24, followed by Zvoni who dreamed to try to hit 100km again. He realized at 76km that he would be too late for a sauna and opted for this. To count as a veteran, you must be 50 or above. There was a discussion if a separate category above 60 should be introduced, or limit for veteran lifted higher?
Who cares? It is important to be there, run and finish. The rest is academic!
What about our ladies? If you recall that a Swiss won 100km and other Swiss was strong second for 100km veterans, having a Swiss lady winning 100km with excellent 13:37 by Viviane, makes impression that Swiss National Holiday (“Bundesfeier”) on Aug. 1st was a great motivation and inspiration for runners of that country. We should take care about this when selecting a date for the next year’s race (second week in August, 2013, to be confirmed).
The fastest woman on 42km were Ina and Brittany, Peace Corps volunteers from USA on assignment in Mongolia, with 6:16 and crossing, by design, together the finishing line (“Veni, vidi, vici!” ), followed Suzanne DePaulo. Suzanne continued trying to hit 100km, but then decided that “76 is enough”. Next time Suzanne!
Veteran 42km was won by Barbara from Germany with 6:58, yet she was disappointed that she was not able to improve her time over 100km from two years ago, especially after good training on the slope of Fuji mountain in Japan and after successful finishing Salomon Stage Race in Alps only few weeks ago. But sometimes you simply do not have your best day! And for running 100km, even 42km, here you have to have your best day. Neither second in this class, Eva Irene, had her best day. After finishing 42km she left for 100km, but in the wrong direction, i.e. north, instead of south, running in total 61km plus, yet getting her 42km time recognized.
25km special category has been arranged on the spot for few walkers who came to Hovsgol just for the nature or as an escort. It was fun for them and it worked so well with this fantastic sunrise over the lake. For the whole race we had great weather; sunny, but not too hot, a bit of rain in the afternoon and full moon again for those who did not go very early to sleep. Yes, some started to celebrate on the every same evening of the race!?
We have listed fastest three runners of each category below and here again congratulations to all runners and all winners, because we all did a very, very good job. And for a very good cause!
For those of you who follow the projects that are funded by the MS2S and by your consistent donations over the years, here is the summary of our progress for major projects:
- ecoLeap Foundation continues to organize the garbage collection in the Hovsgol National Park (840,000 hectares, bigger than Yellowstone park!?),with new truck purchased recently (old one was no more usable ) and a new driver who operates this for eco-Leap
- eco-Leap is continuing with innovative garbage bag distribution and collection at the main gate of the national park. The bags have ecological messages printed on them, together with instructions that all garbage brought in the park must be collected and carried out by each tourist in the provided bags. And the number of tourists is increasing because the road from Moron is getting better and better.
- We continue with a program of increasing ecological awareness-building activities in the Hovsgol National Park, and particularly the program with children in the local school in Hatgal. Eight children have been awarded this year with school backpacks and attended our award ceremony on the last day in the park
- We support local shaman, local culture and try to preserve reach traditions this country side has, particularly horse-trekking deep in the mountains and forests of the park. This year there was one group of runners who went for such a trek before that race, and other who decided that after the race is a better time. Those who attended such treks have no words to describe the beauty and spirit of these.
Obviously, all proceedings of the race are used for above activities. This would not be enough if we would not have through the year, and particularly for the race, special donations. Steen was again on the top before the race donating for the new truck. And two fine ladies managed to collect great donations by pledging to finish 42km (Well done Amy for your first ever marathon!) and 100km (Well done Annabel for your return for second 100km at MS2S, and, we have an appointment for the next year, don’t we?).
The day after the race was recovery day with exchanging stories and experience, followed by a special dinner and an award ceremony. And it was difficult to go to the warm ger knowing that this is last evening and next days you will no more have such nice bunch of running buddies around you, and moon over the lake Hovsgol will be without you. And there you are tempted to promise yourself: ”I’ll be back!”
PS: For a successful race you have to have great and good runners, but many others have been essential in making it happen. What we would do without Erke who was working “25 hours”, and her husband marking trails supported by Tom Baatar who was the horseman at the highest point of the race, kitchen who did feed us well, sometimes at impossible times, Sara having for us always cold drinks, the local musicians and dancers who again have been doing double duty to tend the ger fires and hot water thermoses. And all other personnel of the camp. It was great to be with you and we runners hope that we have not been too difficult to you. And there was Shuree in back in Ulaanbaatar taking care of all bits and pieces. Thank you Shuree very much. More to come!