Steamboat Springs' Paige Rylander Targets 2026 Mongol Derby

Steamboat Springs’ Paige Rylander isn’t just riding a horse. She’s preparing to traverse 650 miles of Mongolian Steppe, following the ancient postal route established by Genghis Khan in 1224 C.E. The annual Mongol Derby is the world’s longest horse race, and Rylander has secured her spot in the 2026 iteration, scheduled for August 5–14.

The logistics of the race are brutal on paper and in practice. Competitors must complete 650 miles by hopping between semi-wild horses every 25 miles. That means utilizing 25 to 28 different animals per rider. The horses are randomly assigned, which adds a layer of unpredictability to an already grueling event. Riders carry up to 11 pounds of gear, migrating it at aid stations while refueling. They are permitted to ride only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., leaving little room for error or extended rest.

Rylander, who works at a local ranch and competed in English riding through college, describes the experience as seeking the "epicenter of the horse-human relationship." Her preparation has been rigorous. She is aerobically training to endure up to 12 hours in the saddle daily and has altered her diet to mimic the heavy dairy, mutton, yak, rice, and vodka consumption of Mongolian cuisine.

The difficulty of the race is reflected in its completion rate, which hovers around 50%. With only 45 entrants each year and over 1,000 horses provided by 250 herders, the competition is fierce. Food-borne illnesses are common, and the semi-wild nature of the horses means riders must prove they won’t injure an animal or themselves. Before being granted entry, Rylander endured a rigorous interview process to demonstrate her skills.

The financial commitment for locals watching her progress is significant. The entry fee for the race is $18,000. Rylander needs to raise an additional $20,000 to cover airfare and incidentals. She is currently holding an online fundraiser and hosting a local event titled “A Day at the Derby.” The event runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. on July 12 at CR Summit Ranch, located at 33255 Creek Summit Lane in Steamboat Springs.

Rylander views her participation as more than a personal athletic achievement. She feels she is carrying the weight of women’s roles in endurance sports. “To even be a tiny footnote in the history of women’s sports is an honor,” she said. The race offers a culture of hospitality where riders can camp wherever they find space, often knocking on doors to ask for shelter from locals who may have never heard of the event.

For context, this isn’t just about one rider from Steamboat Springs. It’s a test of endurance, logistics, and local support. The $38,000 total cost — entry plus incidentals — is a steep price for a 10-day race. But if Rylander completes the course, she joins a lineage of riders stretching back over 800 years.

The practical impact for the community is visible in July at CR Summit Ranch. Locals can support her bid to follow in Genghis Khan’s footsteps without needing to understand the intricacies of Mongolian horsemanship. They just need to show up, pay attention to the fundraiser, and recognize that one of their own is attempting one of the hardest races on Earth.