Mongol Derby: Riding the distance

Sophia Mangalee, one of the riders supporting Mercy Corps in the Mongol Derby. Photo: courtesy of Sophia Mangalee

There are people who enjoy riding horses in gentle pastures or along valley creeks, and there are some who prefer to really feel their saddle. Fortunately for all those rough-riders, there is an adventure which challenges them to train like they've never trained before. Fortunately for Mercy Corps, this journey is also a fundraising opportunity!

The Adventurists' Mongol Derby is a horse race that stretches 1,000 kilometers across, of all places, the steppes of Mongolia.

On August 2, 2011 not only are Derby participants beginning the grueling 10-day ride, they are also changing one partially-tamed Mongolian horse for another every 40 kilometers. Every year, only about 20 people are ready to take on such a challenge, as well as the additional responsibility of fundraising £1000 (about £978) for a good cause.

Mongol Derbiers' funds support Mercy Corps' work in Mongolia, and projects such as empowering people with disabilities and building capacity for rural communities. You can read more about our programmes here and here.

If you think this kind of adventure can't be done, just check out three outstanding riders supporting Mercy Corps:

Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson, participants in the Mongol Derby. Photo: courtesy of Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson

Sophia Mangalee
Website: www.mongolderbyrider.com
Sophia's fundraising progress

Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson
Website: www.barryarmitage.com
Barry and Joe's fundraising progress

Learn more about Mongol Derby and other Mongol mania — Mongol Rally.

Good luck Sophia, Barry and Joe! We are so thankful for the support for people we serve in Mongolia.