Want to try a new way of experience Inner Mongolia? Genghis Khan MTB Adventure and Grassland Extreme Marathon is one of the highlights of the 2009 summer season at Nordic Ways.Biker or runner, first timer or returning for the second or third time, here’s some things you should know about the competition you wish would last just a little bit longer!

Grassland Marathon

Over 1000 persons took part in the first ever Grassland Marathon in Xiwuqi last year. That year, Yang Meng was the winner of the men’s race with the time of 2h and 24 min on his 42 km. Many elder people also took part that year with 30 Chinese “grandmothers” running the 10 km race with enthusiasm for the Olympic Games.

In 2009, Xiwuqi Government has decided to keep the running distances of 21km and 10 km to attract more people. It will be held on July 6 and go on a course starting at Xiwuqi town center, cross the grasslands on paths and back.

Genghis Khan MTB Adventure

Set on the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Xilingol League, this is a bike competition both for those who want a challenge and go for the overall top positions, and for those who just want to go on an exciting and different kind of holiday. You can participate in just one stage or do all three. That way you can compete for the overall stage winning positions.

You can rent a bike if you do not have your own.

On the first day there will be one 50km and one 20km race. The 50 km race starts at Nadamu and ends at the Imperial City - Kharakorum-where participants can stay in traditional Mongolian yurts for the night. There will be a BBQ Party with entertainment in the evening.

The next day, bikers will set out from the Nomadic tribes’ area which is a large protected piece of grassland just where it meets the forest, with white yurts strewn across the plains, horses going freely and the Balaga river cutting through the steppe in wide sweeps. On the evening of the second day, a fun "Night Biking" race (3 laps of 2.5km) will be arranged in Xiwuqi for free on tracks which are usually used as cross country ski tracks in the winter!

On the third day after the final 85km race, the overall winners will receive their awards and prize money. We are waiting to see if Martin Breuvart, the last 2 years consecutive winner will show up to defend his title this year too.

You can go home on Sunday or stay/arrive for the 21km half marathon or 10km race on Monday July 6th