One of the best ways to get started in ultrarunning is by running a stage race, where you cover ultra-distances over multiple days. The post Run a Multi-Day Ultramarathon in Asia appeared first on Explore Unbound.
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Run a Multi-Day Ultramarathon in Asia
One of the best ways to get started in ultrarunning is by running a stage race, where you cover ultra-distances over multiple days. These races give you a taste of what it’s like to push yourself beyond your limits, experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful trails in the process. But they lower the risk of injury compared to single-stage events, as your body has a chance to recover just enough at the end of each long session.
Dedicating a full week to running in the wilderness isn’t easy, though, especially for those of us with work and family obligations. So if you’re going to do it, why not go big? There are several stage races in Asia that even beginning ultrarunners can manage, so long as you are willing to put in the time and effort to train. Preparing for the race may take months of strenuous effort and meticulous planning, but it will be well worth it when you’re having the experience of a lifetime, completing your 100th mile on Himalayan trails or over sand dunes in the Gobi Desert.
It’s easy to see why so many Manaslu Trail Race finishers consider it a once-in-a-lifetime trip and one of the best things they’ve ever done. Unlike the many ultras that prioritize difficulty above all else, the Manaslu Trail Race aims to showcase the stunning majesty of the Himalayas, while also allowing racers the opportunity to do what they love – actually run, versus hike and scramble over relentlessly steep terrain. Although the course is challenging, especially given the altitude, the stage-race structure makes it accessible to most long-distance runners with basic experience on the trails.
The most unique aspect of the Manaslu Trail Race is that you’ll be fully immersed in Nepali culture during the race. You’ll be drinking chai tea and eating dal like a local by the end. The hardest part might be returning to normal life afterward, since the Himalayas have a magnetic quality that makes practically everyone who visits want to return.
Running on the Mongolian Steppe, in the footsteps of nomadic herders and Mongol conquerors, has an undeniable allure. The Gobi March, which crosses over 150 miles through Mongolian wilderness as part of the 4 Deserts ultramarathon series, will give you a chance to experience this magic firsthand. Pitting racers against significant temperature swings, sandstorms, and challenging terrain, the Gobi March is ultrarunning at its finest. It is tough, yet beautiful, with lots of potential for self-discovery.
Mongolia’s natural splendor is limitless, with deserts, grasslands, mountains, and lakes to explore. However, its distinct culture is what attracts the majority of visitors. If you have time after the marathon, make sure to visit the famed Naadam Festival, when Mongolian traditions are celebrated with archery, wrestling, and horseback riding sports.
With all of the attention on Everest and Annapurna, most people are unaware that Nepal has a region called Mustang. It’s a pity, because it’s one of the world’s most striking and fascinating destinations. The Mustang Trail race will take you through picturesque villages, Hindu temples, and untamed scenery unlike anything you’ve ever seen, all while running along historic trade routes.
Mustang is less well-known due to the fact that it only opened to visitors in 1992. This is why some refer to this historically Tibetan region as a “forbidden kingdom.” Located in the rain shadows of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif, Mustang is a high-altitude desert with spectacular geologic features that you won’t be able to stop dreaming about after you leave. This is a region worth adding to your bucket list if you enjoy learning about unique parts of the planet where most tourists will never set foot.
The Ultra X Sri Lanka is a rare stage race that allows you to carry only a day pack, rather than your entire kit for the race. This means you can focus on running, while the race organizers transport the rest of your belongings. Despite this, substantial attrition has been reported, with several riders abandoning stages or requiring IV infusions to rehydrate. Fortunately, the course has plenty of colorful scenery to distract you from its difficulty and keep you moving forward.
Along the Ultra X Sri Lanka course, you’ll find rural villages, rice plantations, and more wildlife than most ultramarathons. While insects make up a large portion of that wildlife, there are also birds, monkeys, and iguanas to spot. With so much to see in magical Sri Lanka, you’ll certainly want to leave some time for travel after the race.
The post Run a Multi-Day Ultramarathon in Asia appeared first on Explore Unbound.
