Sportsmanship and the Countdown to the Finish Line
On Day 2 of the Ultra Gobi 400km race, the Gobi Desert became the stage for a moving display of sportsmanship. The athletes currently in second（bib 240 Jovica Spajić Serbia）and third place(bib 234 Aaron Kubala USA) encountered each other on the course and decided to join forces, running side by side for more than 80 km. In this extreme endurance challenge, they are not only fierce competitors but also companions on the journey—embodying the true spirit of “friendship through competition.”
Race leader Cody Poskin (bib 236, USA) has maintained his lead from the start and has now reached Checkpoint R7/CP25. According to calculations from the race control center, Cody is expected to arrive at the finish line around 7:00 AM Beijing Time on October 6, just as the Mid-Autumn Festival sunrise lights up the desert sky. He is on track to break the course record if all goes well. Meanwhile, the logistics and checkpoint teams are racing against time to set up R8 before he arrives.
Close behind, Jovica Spajić and Aaron Kubala are currently sharing second and third place. After entering Rest Station 6 together, they refueled, checked mandatory gear, and received warm encouragement from volunteers. Jovica took a quick 10-minute power nap before the duo set off again, with roughly 130 km remaining to the finish.
Running in fourth place is the legendary bib 215 Sange Sherpa Nepal. After two days and nights on the course, his mental toughness is on full display. Despite his fatigue and the accumulated toll of a summer packed with ultramarathons, he never doubts for a second that he will finish.
As the Mid-Autumn sunrise approaches, the race is entering its most thrilling phase. Tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the finish line as Cody chases history, and every runner continues their epic journey across the Gobi.
More flashquotes from the Course：
Carla André, Portugal, at kilometer 155
“I’m in a good mood and good shape. Of course, I’m tired, but that’s okay. I manage my pace consciously. The only thing I want is to finish, and therefore I’m taking enough rest during the competition.”
“I saw very beautiful places, but I have to underline what a wonderful and professional job the organisers are doing. Staff and volunteers are amazingly friendly and attentive.”
“The rocky descent from the highest point of the course was challenging. I’m used to everything, but I did not expect such a section here at Ultra Gobi 400.”
“October 5th is a very special day for me — it’s my brother’s birthday, and I sent him best wishes in Chinese. Also, 20 years ago, I had a very serious car accident. In a certain way, it’s like my second birthday today.”
Julian Veermeer, South africa, at kilomter 157
“Others may complain, but for me, the mountains are the highlight of Ultra Gobi 400 so far. It may be confusing at times, but in the end the track is quite logical — just follow the water flow. And this area would be great for an epic mountain bike event, too!”
“I have some blisters, and it’s a pity that the organisers do not offer footbaths. These are just my two cents — overall, the organisation is grandiose.”
“Ultra Gobi is a huge learning curve for me. I see what is involved and that the weight of the material is key to perform. If I come back again, for sure I’ll be better prepared.”
Sona Kopcokova, Slovakia, at kilometer 161
“The switch between really hot and really cold is tiring.”
“The navigation can become quite difficult — that’s why it’s good to pair up with Melissa Venables.”
“I’m happy to be here, and I’m happy that I do not have trouble with nose bleeding yet, something that usually happens to me in hot and dry conditions.”
Melissa Venables, Great Britain, at kilometer 161
“The track is relentless in all senses — it offers a lot of challenges and a lot of beauty as well. Honestly, it is harder than expected. You always have to concentrate on something, like the navigation for example, and at the same time on the very varied terrain. There is soft sand, and in the next section, rocks.”
“In the mountains, we struggled a bit. I think we lost about two hours there.”
Text Credits: Daniel Keppler / Egon Theiner / James Huang
Photo Credits: Daniel Keppler / Ultra Gobi