About Me
Ross Colbert, Weston CT USA
I grew up on a horse farm in New Hampshire and began playing polo in Vermont in 1978. My polo travels have taken me across the US, Canada, Argentina, England, Italy, Ghana, India and Mongolia. I’m also an avid surfer, skier and mountain biker and I love any extreme outdoor adventure!
My goal in the 2024 Mongol Derby is to ride fast, finish strong and raise at least $10,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).Thank you for your interest in this epic event and your generous support for the JDRF is greatly appreciated.
Also a big personal thanks to Electrolit Hydration and Charge Caffeinated Chocolate for sponsoring me in the Derby. Staying hydrated while racing over 1000 kms is essential for sustained peak performance, and Electrolit delivers instant hydration with electrolytes to battle dehydration and fatigue. Electrolit hydration and energized packets will be a daily regimen for me.
Your Guide to The 2024 Mongol Derby
Use These Helpful Links Below:
✓ 2024 Mongol Derby Follow the race with Live Tracking
✓ Current Time & Weather Forecast for Mongolia
✓ Lonely Planet Video on Mongolia (2 minutes)
Departure Date for Mongolia to July 31st.
Racing 1000+ kms.
Over the steppes of Mongolia.
Navigating by GPS.
The Mongol Derby commemorates the original “pony express” mail system used by Genghis Khan in the 12th Century. Riders navigate by GPS over the 10-day race that stretches over 1,000 kms. All riders ride approximately 25-30 horses over the entire race (avg 3 horses per day), drawn by lottery each day. All horses are checked at periodic vet stations to ensure their health and well-being during the race. The Mongol Derby course changes each year and riders must navigate from station-to-station checkpoints using GPS.
The Mongol Derby is more than just a race - its a chance to make a difference.
Each Mongol Derby competitor must raise funds for a designated charity. Over the past 14 years, Mongol Derby riders have raised over $ 2.0 million in charitable donations for important causes around the world.
I will be racing to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.More information on how you can make a pledge to the JDRF can be found by clicking the Learn more box below:
Flashback to Mongolia in July, 2009... 15 years ago
In July 2009, my (then) fiance Amy Foster was conducting research on Genghis Khan and the Silk Road for her students at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. With the help of GFA, her research project enabled us to spend two weeks traveling in a small group across Mongolia by horseback, camel and 4WD. We experienced the rugged beauty of the vast steppes, nomadic culture and met wonderful herder families along the way. The beauty and rich history of Mongolia and its people make it a truly special place.
On July 18th 2009, Amy and I were married at The Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. We had a traditional Mongolian wedding ceremony arranged by the TCL, including our surrogate parents, Buddhist monks and local herders and their families. Mongolia has been in our hearts ever since.
This July 18th, Amy and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary with our family in Connecticut. I will be flying back to Mongolia for the start of The Mongol Derby on August 7th. After 15 years of waiting for the opportunity to return to such magical place and the adventure of a lifetime...I could not be more excited !
Thank You to My Sponsors!
For more info please visit the website electrolit.com