June 30th, 2012

Grassland Extreme Marathon is unique in its setting on small packed sand and dirt trails across the grassplains around the Inner Mongolian city Xiwuqi (Xiwuzhumuqinqi). The marathon is organized by Nordic Ways in cooperation with Xiwuqi Municipal Government. Grassland Extreme Marathon invites runners of all ages and level of fitness, from elite to amateur to take part. Nordic Ways is happy to assist international runners with their trip to Xiwuqi.

Grassland Marathon has three races: 42km, 21km and 10km. The start and finish is at the city square, but the main track goes over the sweeping mongolian hills surrounding the city.

Xiwuqi is located in China Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bordering on Mongolia. Here, traditional mongolian culture is strong with many ethnic mongolians. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Xiwuqi, you can come one day earlier before the race and maybe visit Genghis Khan Imperial City where you can stay over night in Mongolian yurts, practice mongolian horse riding and wrestling, plus eat whole mutton and other local delicacies

After the race, there will be an award ceremony with prize money to the first positions in the 42km race. You will be treated to a nice dinner in the evening and then a bus will take participants to the airport in Xilinhaote the next morning.

Grassland Extreme Marathon was held for the first time in 2008 in connection to Genghis Khan MTB Adventure which is a 3 days stage race of 180km also organized by Nordic Ways in Xiwuqi on June 29 - July 1. The Marathon is however a separate event of its own, held on June 30th within the Genghis Khan MTB Advendure duration.

You can see more comprehensive race information by clicking on "General Info" to the left.