Road to the 2026 Mongol Derby
Supporting Mongolian Communities & Local Herders
Hello everyone! I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into the August 2026 Mongol Derby, and my goal is to raise funds that primarily benefit the nomadic families of the steppe. The Derby is known as the “toughest horse race on earth”, racing 1000km through the heart of Mongolia over rugged terrain and incredibly beautiful landscapes on top of semi-wild native Mongolian horses. The race symbolizes the mail routes Genghis Khans riders would have taken in 1224! If you haven’t heard of this before, it’s like the movie Hidalgo, without all the extra “pizzaz”.
Where does the money go?
The entry fee for this expedition is substantial at $18,000, with additional costs for travel and gear putting the total around $22,000, but there is a vital reason for the cost: the majority of the entrance fee goes directly to the Mongolian herders.
Each year, these nomadic families provide and vet upwards of 1,500 horses. They open their homes (gers) to riders, providing shelter, food, and expert care for the horses. By supporting my journey, you are directly contributing to:
-Fair wages for herders who keep the nomadic tradition alive.
-Veterinary care for over 1,000 native Mongolian horses.
-Economic support for families living in some of the most remote regions on earth.
The Personal Challenge
Naturally, as soon as I heard of the Mongol Derby from my sister about a year ago, I decided I was going to ride it someday. Turns out that day is not so far away! This race will be a personal challenge like I have never done before. It is a privilege to be offered a spot, and I can’t let this once in a lifetime opportunity pass me up. I’m writing with a mix of excitement and deep gratitude to ask for your support in helping bring this dream to life. Your contribution would allow me to take part in this unique event.
I have been riding horses since I was 6 years old. Galloping bareback through the dense overgrown trails of western Washington. With my long-standing love for horseback riding and my drive to constantly challenge myself physically, this race seemed like the prefect beast for me to take on.
A little more about the race
The race is held deep in the Mongolian steppe, hours from the nearest city. As we navigate from station to station, we will come across unpredictable challenges such as rising rivers, wolves, and extreme weather. At night, riders can rest in the yurts at each horse station, often crowded with fellow competitors. To stay on pace and meet the finish time, however, we may also need to camp directly on the open steppe or seek shelter with a local family unaffiliated with the race.
Riders will journey approx. 27-30 horses over a period of 7 - 10 days, navigating a course with horse check-in stations every 35 kilometers, where we change horses at each stop. Riders are paired with a new horse at each station by drawing a name out of a hat.
Out of the starting competitors, only about half end up finishing due to a multitude of possible mishaps. The route includes mountain passes, expansive valleys, forested hills, river crossings, wetlands, and more.
When is it?
5th -14th August 2026
Throughout the race, I will be carrying a GPS tracking device allowing others to share in this incredible journey. You can track my progress during the race on the official event website’s GPS tracking page (linked below). Whether through sponsorship, a donation, or simply helping spread the word, your support would mean so much to me.
Link to the Mongol Derby Website:
Organizer
