Mongol 100 2020 Cancelled

Got this today. So disappointed.

Important: Mongol 100 deferred to 2021. 

It is with deep regret we must inform you that we have been forced to defer the Mongol 100 to 2021 in light of the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis in Asia. We have been keeping an exceptionally close eye on the situation as it has unfolded over the past month and liasing with our team on the ground in Mongolia to keep up to date with current local news and information. 

Many of you have already experienced flight cancellations as a direct effect of the lockdown of Asia following this outbreak, most of those travelling from the UK (our crew included) are set to transit through Turkey who just last week announced a travel alert to Mongolia, suggesting people avoid all nonessential travel to the area. 

The Mongolian government has currently banned all sporting events and gatherings of people as they are anticipating COVID-19 to arrive in the country imminently and have started preparing. Our sources on the ground have been informed that in the event of the infection reaching Mongolia they may enforce a quarantine in regional provinces and there is also a possibility of a complete inter-country travel ban. If this were to come into effect while we were in the country, we would potentially be unable to leave for up to 14 days. We feel that the responsible and safest action to take in the best interest of our participants and crew is to defer the event until 2021. 

This means that your entire entry, including all transfers and any extras have been deferred to 2021. The new date will be the 7th – 14th March 2021 or alternatively you can join the existing Mongol 100 2021 event and move to the 28th February – 7th March 2021. 

We understand that you may wish to attempt to use your travel insurance to claim back any 3rd party losses, such as flights etc. We will be providing you with a letter from our operator in Mongolia outlining the reasons that the Mongol 100 can no longer take place on the existing date which you can use for such claims. If you require any other information, please email us on events@ratrace.com and we will assist you. 

Test packing of kit and gear

I'm told Aeroflot, Russia's airline, has a reputation of losing luggage.

There were a couple of participants who took part in the first Mongol 100 last year (2019) where luggage arrived late and in one case arrived too late for the start of the event itself leaving the particpent with no kit and had to borrow and make do with what he was wearing and carrying as hand luggage.

I've decided to take a large red suitcase which will protect my kit and hopefully stand out for airport bag handlers and so reduce the risk of my kit being mishandled or lost.  Especially since there will be 2 flight changes en route to Ulaan Bataar for me.

However, Rat Race ask for a soft holdall type bag for the internal flights and transfers to base camps.
So inside the suitcase I will take a holdall bag that I will use for the internal flight from Ulaan Bataar to Moron.  Rat Race will hold on to my suitcase at their agent's office and I will get it back after the event.

I have a couiple of holdalls but none large enough to carry everything, so I borrowed my brother in law's holdall and saved myself from buying a new one which I'd unlikely use again.

Everything fits in the holdall and the suitcase - even the skating poles, which just fit in if I take them apart.

I'll carry a backpack (different to the one I'll be using on the ice) which will have some kit, snacks and travel documents.

Sorted!

Photos to follow!

Mr Scotland And Mongol 100