第29回モンゴル国際草原マラソン 2026

The Mongolia International Grassland Marathon begins at the National Racecourse, the site of Naadam horse racing, directing runners onto open prairie rather than roads. It provides 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon options, accommodating children, first-timers, regular runners, and older adults. The event is promoted as the sole marathon run entirely on prairie, without any asphalt, and its motto is “Memories over Records.” The course is rough and functional in a distinctly Mongolian manner: distances are approximate, and participants might pause for passing livestock herds. The opening ceremony features horsehead fiddle music. Prizes differ from typical awards; half marathon winners are given horses, the leading foreign runner may receive a sheep, and a non-Mongolian overall winner could be awarded both. The field has become more international, notably with a significant Japanese contingent, and previous editions have attracted around 500 participants ranging from 5 to 83 years old. Following the race, participants gather at a prairie party, included with registration, to eat, drink, and interact with Mongolian students and volunteers.