AlUla to Host First International Ultra Gobi Race in 2027, Marking a Global Milestone for Endurance Sports

The city of AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the first international edition of the renowned Ultra Gobi endurance race series, marking a historic milestone with the launch of “Ultra Gobi AlUla” scheduled from January 12 to 20, 2027.

This expansion represents the first time the Ultra Gobi series will be held outside China since its establishment, following the 21st edition of the original race in the Gobi Desert in October 2026. The move underscores the series’ long-term strategy to expand into globally significant natural landscapes.

AlUla’s selection highlights its unique geographical and historical significance. Located around 300 kilometers north of Madinah, the region was historically a key station along the ancient Incense Route and pilgrimage corridors to Makkah. Its desert valleys, sandstone formations, and oasis landscapes will now serve as the backdrop for a world-class endurance challenge.

Over the past two decades, Ultra Gobi has attracted more than 79,000 participants globally, including business school executives, corporate teams, and elite endurance athletes. The expansion to Saudi Arabia aligns with the series’ mission of fostering cultural exchange through endurance sport and outdoor adventure.

The Ultra Gobi AlUla 2027 edition will feature six race categories, including a 400 km self-supported ultra-endurance race, a +A 121 km continuous solo race, a 121 km multi-day team race with cumulative scoring rules, a B solo stage race, a 30 km one-day entry-level race, and a 90 km youth and family multi-stage category.

Organizers are collaborating with local authorities in AlUla to ensure world-class route design, logistics planning, and safety systems that meet international endurance race standards. The initiative also supports AlUla’s positioning as a leading global destination for culture, heritage tourism, and adventure sports.

Registration for Ultra Gobi AlUla 2027 is expected to open in the coming weeks, with full race details, route maps, and participation guidelines to be published on the official website: www.ultragobiseries.com.