Mongol Derby

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The Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance race. The race extends 1000 km through the Mongolian Steppe and is known as the world's longest horse race.

History

The first Mongol Derby took place in 2009[1] and has continued annually since then. It is a multi-horse race, modelled after the postal route established by Genghis Khan in 1224. It was the world's first long distance postal system, based on a network of horse stations.[2] The Mongol Derby similarly incorporates 25 horse stations and rest stops along a length of 1000 km through the Mongolian Steppe. Along the course of the race, riders have the option to stay with local nomads or camp out. In 2010, the Mongol Derby achieved the Guinness World Record title of longest multi-horse race.[3]

In addition to enduring the distance of the trek, some challenges faced by the participants include, a high probability of injury associated with riding 25 different unfamiliar and "semi-wild" Mongol horses, travelling through remote and unmarked territory in a variety of landscapes, exposure to harsh elements, physical discomfort and exhaustion, and rules of the race, such as restricted riding hours allowed each day.[2][3][4][5]

Past Winners

The following is a list of past winners of the Mongol Derby, and their home countries.

  • 2013 - Lara Prior-Palmer (England)[6]
  • 2012 - Donal Fahy (Ireland)[7]
  • 2011 - Craig Egberink (South Africa)[8]
  • 2010 - Justin Nelzin (U.S.A.)[9][10]
  • 2009 - Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh (Mongolia) and Charles van Wyk (South Africa)[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Mongol Derby - Horse Race". To Mongolia. tomongolia.blogspot.com. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 DeHart, Jonathan (August 28, 2013). "The Mongol Derby: Genghis Khan's Equestrian Gauntlet". Asia Life. The Diplomat. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Teenage Rider Wins Mongol Derby". PRI's The World. PRI's The World. August 23, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  4. ↑ Armytage, Marcus (August 19. 2013). "Mongol Derby, the world's toughest race, gives Clare Twemlow and Alex Embiricos a rough ride". The Telegraph: Sport: Horse Racing. Telegraph Media Group Limited. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  5. ↑ McGowan, Tom (August 23, 2013). "Mongol Derby: 'Like the Tour de France crossed with Snakes and Ladders'". CNN: World Sport: Winning Post. Cable News Network. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  6. ↑ Dunwoody, Richard (August 10, 2013). "Lara Prior-Palmer wins the Mongol Derby in 2013 in dramatic fashion". Daily Race Report. The League of Adventurists international Ltd. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  7. ↑ Mr. Tom (August 18, 2012). "Donal Fahy - Mongol Derby 2012 Winner". The Jibber. The League of Adventurists international Ltd. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  8. ↑ Mr. Tom (August 13, 2011). "Mongol Derby 2011 Has Been Won". The Jibber. The League of Adventurists international Ltd. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  9. ↑ "Mongol Derby Champion of Texas to return in 2011". Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  10. ↑ "Mongol Derby". Team EquiPro. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  11. ↑ "Joint winners for Mongol Derby". horsetalk.co.nz. Horsetalk: World equestrian news and information. September 17, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 

External links

  • "The Mongol Derby". The League of Adventurists international Ltd. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  • "About the Derby". Mongol Derby Blog. The League of Adventurists international Ltd. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
  • "The Mongol Derby: in pictures". Telegraph: Travel: Activity and Adventure. Telegraph Media Group Limited. Retrieved September 16, 2013. 
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