14 Jun-16 Jun, 2019

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14 Jun-16 Jun, 2019

MongoliaTrail hike and run options

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FAQ 常見問題

Mongolia Action Asia 3-day Ultra Marathon - 2019

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Note that this document has been produced to answer frequently asked questions and to help you best prepare for the Mongolia 3-day race.

In addition to this document, all participants should ensure that they read (prior to the race) all sections of the Mongolia event page; which is listed on the Action Asia Events website.

Event webpage link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-mongolia/overview.html#content

What equipment should I bring?
Please refer to the list of equipment on the Action Asia Events – Mongolia event (equipment list) webpage. Please ensure that you bring all of the MANDATORY items listed. The RECOMMENDED items are optional but as the name suggests, highly recommended.

Equipment list webpage:

http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-mongolia/equipment-list.html#content

Note: If you are looking to purchase last-minute equipment, please head to Action X Store in Sheung Wan or Discovery Bay.

Where can I find the trip itinerary?

Link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-mongolia/event-info.html#content

What is included and what isn’t include?
Please refer to the Action Asia Events – Mongolia event webpage, for a list of what is included and what isn’t included with the registration fees.

Link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-mongolia/event-info.html#content

What do I have to send to Action Asia Events pre-race?
Flight Information

For those that have already booked their flights, please email payment@actionasiaevents.com with your full flight details, inclusive of arrival and departure times and flight number.

Accommodation Preferences

If you know other people that are participating in the race, please email payment@actionasiaevents.com with your preferred person(s) who you would like to share accommodation with. Please note that most Gers have four (4) beds each and the hotel accommodation will have 2 people per room.

What will be the overnight temperature? What is the temperature at the start of the race in the morning and what is the approximate temperature at the hottest part of the day?

Past Weather in Ulaanbaatar Link: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/mongolia/ulaanbaatar/historic?month=6&year=2018

Please note that in North the chance of rain is high in June, although it’s lower than July. (2019 the race is in South Gobi so it’s less likely to rain.)

Is a sleeping bag compulsory/necessary or are there bed sheets?

We would recommend all participants to bring their own sleeping bag (0 to -10 rating).

Yes, there are bed sheets, one small blanket and a small pillow in gers.

What training should I be doing between now and the event?

The key is to log in as many training hours as possible!

Michael Maddess (Mongolia Race Director and renowned ultra-marathon runner) recommends that runners try to complete ‘Sandwich Training’. This type of training focuses on training over consecutive days.

So instead of training on alternate days (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) – like what most runners do - runners should focus on completing training on at least two back-to-back days. This way, your legs and body are better prepared for training on sore muscles and you’ll have some idea of what to expect and hopefully a few sessions on recovery. One good way of getting rid of the soreness in the muscles is too learn how to massage your legs with your elbows by pushing down on the sore areas and slowly rotating. Some runners like to use a wooden roll, others have brought a golf ball while some get their friends to help give them that extra touch. The idea is to get the lactic acid out of the muscles and be recovered by the following day.

When it’s close to the event, an hour / day walking or running. Recommend foot & body massage 4-5 days before the event, as if you find some issues, you can go back again to work on it before the event.

What kind of terrain will we be running across?

Rocky sandy grass – Less than 5% sand each dayl.

Do I need a specific pair of hiking or trail running shoes?

Trail shoes with good grip are recommended. We recommend trail shoes in case it rains as wet grass can get slippery. Trail shoes will have better grip. If you need to purchase new shoes, we recommend Action X Store in Sheung Wan. Participants are entitled 10%-20% on different items but must tell store as staff there has a list to check.

Note: The Race Director advises all participants to NOT use a piece of clothing or equipment for the first time in Mongolia. You should try that clothing/equipment first on some training runs. Ideally multiple times.

Is there dietary options for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, there are vegan and vegetarian options. FYI, the Race Director is also vegetarian.

What food is provided?
Breakfast on Friday June 14, Sat June 15, Sun June 16 and Monday June 17

Lunch Fri June 14, Sat June 15, Sun June 16.

Dinner at Thurs June 13, Fri June 14, Sat June 15, Sun June 16 awards party. No alcohol is provided (it may be purchased).

http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-mongolia/event-info.html#content

Where should I meet the group if I am not taking the group flight (June 13, Flight no. OM298, ETA 16:45)?

One bus can pick up at the hotel before going to the airport if participants email payment@actionasiaevents.com. Then the bus will join the rest of the buses to pick up the participants who take the group flight and go to the ger camp site altogether. Please meet us at the official hotel (see event page) at 3:30pm on June 13.

Can I leave my luggage at the hotel and collect it after the race?

Yes, you can leave your luggage at the official hotel only if you are arriving before the group flight (OM298, ETA 16:45 on June 13) and meet us at the hotel lobby on June 13 at 3:30pm (please email us and request pick up at the official hotel). Note: If you are taking the group flight or meet us at the airport directly, you are not able to leave your luggage at the hotel. Reminder: please pack light as you don’t need much for 3 days. You will find yourself wearing the same clothes during the event because of the low humidity and not much sweat.

What is provided at the checkpoints?
Water, bananas and oranges (could change depending on the season) are provided at each checkpoint.

As listed on the Equipment List section of the Mongolia Event page, participants are encouraged to bring snacks (nuts, trail mix, gels, energy bars etc.) for pre-race, during the race and/or post-race. Just please don’t leave empty wrappers on the course as we want to leave the location spotless clean and not upset the locals.

You are recommended to bring electrolyzed tablets (available at Action X Store). Tablets are the easiest to use. The majority of participants use them as they are easy to store in front pockets.

How often (km) are the checkpoints?
A checkpoint will be once every 10km (approx.). Total 3 checkpoints every day.

How is the course marked?
The course will be marked with bright color for different distance and AAE signage. The Race Director will advise this at the race briefing on the night prior to each race (race day 1 morning before the race if flight is delayed).

How often will there be signage / ribbons?
Approximately every 100m unless very tight sections where there will more ribbons at a higher frequency. Please listen to the race briefing every night before the race to see if any changes to this.

Is there electricity to charge phones, GPS watch etc.
No. No telephone reception and internet. Please bring your own charger. (No social media is available so we usually have a record amount communication between participants at this location because everybody was forced to talk to each other.)

Is there hot water?
No. Ger camp has running water with limited shower. You will be in Gobi desert so you will most likely don’t want hot shower.

What are the sleeping arrangements like? I.e. how many beds per room?
First 3 Nights– 4 people per Mongolia Ger (same camp for 3 nights)
Night 4 – The hotel has two beds.

Note: there’s a possibility for 1-2 gers to have 5 beds, please send us a request min. 1 month before the race.

If you have not yet submitted your room requests, please do so by no later than 15/5 by emailing payment@actionasiaevents.com.

Is there a bar?
There is alcohol available for purchase on all nights of the race. You can buy alcohol at Camp at est. USD 5 per beer. USD is acceptable but please bring small denomination. Bring lots of ones and fives.

How much should we budget for?
Budget amount depends on each individual participant. I.e. how much food or drinks they will purchase on each day.

How much MNT should we budget to bring?

Each day 100 USD = MNT 266,458 should be enough unless you are a heavy drinker/eater…. or like treating your friends.

What is the elevation gain and loss each day?
A rough idea on the course would be: 500-600/ day with the highest point being 1600m.

Ultra marathon category high points in race (total 100 km over 3 days):
Day 1 - 40 km (1300m – 1500m - 1300)
Day 2 - 40 km (1300m – 1500m - 1600m - 1300m)
Day 3 - 20 km (1300m – 1500m - 1400m - 1300m)

Explorer category - good for hiking high points in race (total 60 km over 3 days):
Day 1 - 20 km (1300m - 1500m - 1300m)
Day 2 - 20 km (1300m – 1650m - 1350m)
Day 3 - 20 km (1300m – 1500m – 1400 - 1300m)