 Originally located in the Gobi Desert of China, the race now takes place in various locations around the Mongolian area of the Gobi Desert, and is usually held in late August.The Gobi March's challenges include the changes in temperature from the hot highlands to the oppressive cold in sand dunes, the open sun, potential sandstorms and variety of terrain – soft sand-dunes, rocky tracks, steep hills, ridges and riverbeds.A Shanghai-based competitor died of heatstroke after competing in the 2010 Gobi March.