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Ultra Gobi 400km | Champions Crowned

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Ultra Gobi 400km | Champions Crowned

Junyue(CHN)

The champions of the 2025 Ultra Gobi 400km have been crowned!

The men’s title was decided yesterday, while the women’s champion emerged today after four intense days in the Gobi Desert.

Women’s Champion —Bib：230 Zheng Junyue (CHN)

Defending champion Zheng Junyue secured her second women’s title today, finishing 5th overall in 92:24:55 and earning the title of “Guanjun Marshall.”

Starting 41st, she moved steadily up the rankings from 13th to 5th. On the morning of October 5 at R4, she shared her race struggles. “I was fighting alone in the desert, completely cut off from the outside world. The path to R2 felt like it stretched straight up to the clouds. After leaving R2, I was supposed to turn, but I just kept going straight. Luckily, this mistake didn’t last long. Then I started searching for footprints like a wilderness hunter—I found quite a few at first, but after looking for a while, the footprints disappeared again,” Junyue said.

She emphasized that her focus was on enjoying the race rather than breaking records. After finishing, she explained her motivation: “Actually, there are so many people who take on crazy challenges in this world, but I’ve noticed few women would try this. I think I can say I’ve made an attempt this year, because I’m afraid I will lose my courage if I don’t.”

Junyue first joined Ultra Gobi in 2024, when she set a women’s event record of 79:43:19 and won the title after a dramatic race involving a wolf encounter and a final 13 km battle. “I will participate in the Ultra Gobi 400km a third time, but I’m not sure if I will do so next year,” she added.

Men’s Champion —Bib：236 Cody Poskin (USA)

Cody Poskin claimed the men’s title on October 6 with a time of 64:49:32, breaking the event record and earning the title of “Guanjun Marshall.”

In his first Ultra Gobi 400km, Cody led from the start and built a significant gap. On the evening of October 5, however, he ran into multiple navigation problems and his leg was cut by thorn bushes. Although he was upset, losing his temper and swearing loudly, he forced himself to calm down and find solutions each time.

Before the race, Cody had estimated a 60-hour finish, but the final 100 km proved much tougher than expected. His speed dropped to 70–80% of earlier pace, averaging just 5–6 km/h. “Before the race, I studied the maps. However, when I arrived at the actual race venue, I still relied on my on-the-spot improvisation to take the shortcuts I had planned beforehand,” Cody said.

Reflecting at the finish, he described Ultra Gobi 400km as an adventure about living life to the fullest. “Running 400km means adventure and exploration. It means grabbing life by the horns and making an intentional decision to live life to the fullest. Gobi is passion and freedom. Coming to China to compete this time is truly the right choice I’ve made in my life!” he said.

Text Credits: James Huang / Grace Gao
Photo Credits: Ultra Gobi

 

Ultra Gobi 400km Day 3

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Breaking the event record & A New Brotherhood is Born

Ultra Gobi 2025 — Men’s Podium Decided

The top three finishers of the Ultra Gobi 400km have been confirmed, with all three athletes delivering extraordinary performances in this year’s grueling race across the Gobi Desert.

Cody Poskin (Bib 236, USA)
Cody Poskin claimed the Ultra Gobi 400km championship title, crossing the finish line in 64 hours, 49 minutes, and 32 seconds. His exceptional performance broke the event record, earning him the prestigious title of “Guanjun Marshall.”

Jovica Spajić (Bib 240, Serbia)
Jovica Spajić secured second place with a finish time of 68 hours, 20 minutes, and 38 seconds, and was honored with the title of “Cheji Marshall.”

Aaron Kubala (Bib 234, USA)
Aaron Kubala rounded out the men’s podium, finishing in 68 hours, 28 minutes, and 38 seconds, and was awarded the title of “Zhenjun Marshall.”

Meanwhile, Zheng Junyue (Bib 230, China) made a strong push in the latter stages of the race, overtaking Ni Yusheng to temporarily move into 5th place overall.

A New Brotherhood at Ultra Gobi

Jovica Spajić (Serbia) and Aaron Kubala (USA) finished the race together, placing second and third respectively, but their journey became much more than a battle for podium positions.

The two athletes teamed up at Checkpoint 14 / Rest Point 4, located at the 161 km mark. Kubala had reached the checkpoint with a slight lead and was preparing to leave when Spajić arrived.

“Shall we run together?” the Serbian asked.
“How long do you need to get ready again?” the American replied.
“Five minutes.”

And so began a partnership that would last for the next two days and 240 kilometers, laying the foundation for a lifelong friendship.

“We became brothers,” Spajić declared.

“We experienced highs and lows at different times and helped each other out of the pain cave,” said Kubala.
“Aaron led the way through the nights, and when he was in trouble, I was there for him. I didn’t want to leave him,” Spajić added.

In such a competitive race as the Ultra Gobi 400, the two had to maintain a relentless pace to hold off Sangé Sherpa, who was both kilometres away and yet dangerously close behind.

“It was an emotional journey and a true adventure. Now I have a new brother. During our joint efforts, everything came naturally; nothing was forced. Our teamwork was a gift from God,” said Spajić.
“We ran together for hours without talking. Everything was relaxed, and we enjoyed every moment.”

Kubala reflected on the shared experience:

“The sunrises and sunsets were exceptional, and I felt so well supported by my family and girlfriend, even though they were far away.”

Spajić expressed pride in representing Serbia on the global stage through this prestigious event:

“This race is tough. The scenery is wonderful, and it’s worth seeing — but you really have to be well prepared to finish it.”

Ultra Gobi 400km Day 2

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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