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The Gobi March
Sandy placed 4th for women in the Gobi March. She won her age division, and
placed 22nd overall out of 77 competitors from around the world.
Congratulations Sandy on a job well done!
What is the Gobi March?
The Gobi March is a 7 day stage-race that takes place in the Gobi Desert in NW China. Competitors race 150 miles in six stages. The athletes are also required to carry all of the supplies they will need for the week on their backs. This includes all of their food. Organizers provide tents, water and medical aid. There are no showers, toilets or beds.
Where is the Gobi March?
The majority of the course will take place in the eastern part of XinJiang, in the region of Hami. Hami is the most eastern outpost on the famed Silk Road which has been a major thoroughfare for merchants and travellers for centuries.
The Gobi is the world's largest cold winter desert. There are grasslands, salt flats and sand dunes. There are high mountain ridges and low valleys in the area. It is home to families that have lived in barely accessible villages for generations. This stunning landscape has some of the harshest terrain in all of China.
When is the Gobi March?
The Gobi March takes place in May. About 100 athletes from around the world will be at this event.
What is the Weather like for the Gobi March?
The weather can be extreme - very hot days that can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and cold nights that drop below freezing. Violent sandstorms are common during April and May.
What Wildlife might be seen during the Gobi March?
There is a wide variety of wildlife in the Gobi. There are camels, musk-ox, snow leopards, bears, wolves and ibex.
This Years Itinerary
Sandy leaves for the race on Sunday, May 21st. She will fly to Hong Kong to stay with a friend of hers and fellow competitor, Marta Obando. They will leave together on Friday, May 26th for Urumqi.
Saturday, May 27th, 2006
Competitors must officially register. This involves having their backpacks checked for mandatory items...and presenting their medical information. They will then be issued their race numbers.
Sunday, May 28th, 2006
Day one of the Gobi March! Sandy will be updating this site regularly as she progresses through the race.
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
The last day of the race...party that night! Awards Ceremony
Sunday, June 4th, 2006
Sandy heads back to Hong Kong.
Monday, June 5th, 2006
Sandy leaves Hong Kong for Canada.
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