Although The Running Season Is Rather Short In Comparison...

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Although the running season is rather short in comparison to other Asian cities, from April to late October Ulaanbaatar has some great cross country running. In the city itself there is not much of particular interest, but head out for the hills outside of town, and you can run forever over dirt trails or grassy slopes. Most of the areas around Ulaanbaatar are heavily grazed, which makes the running particularily easy. There are few trees and no fences or other restrictions to running, so one can run anywhere one wants, in any direction, as long as your feet will carry you. Another great feature of Ulaanbaatar is that this runners' paradise is only 15-20 drive in any direction from the city, so it takes little effort. For those runners who want to run in a group and get to know other ex-pats, join the Ulaanbaatar Hash House Harriers, which meets every Tuesday evening from April to September at 6:30 pm in front of the Bayangol hotel. The members of this Hash are not out to set word running records, but rather go out to have fun, get some excercise and enjoy the great scenery. There is also a walking group which caters to those who'd rather not run. The Hash is a good way for newcomers to the city to get a feel for the area before exploring on their own. Since much of Mongolia is covered in endless steppes and rolling hills, the entire country comes highly recommended for cross-country runners. The only caution goes out to the dogs guarding the "gers" (traditional tents in which Mongolians live). They tend to take a liking to the legs of strangers.