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Sam Wyborn, 25, is among the first 15 accepted for this year's race. He is one of nine nationalities so far represented in the field.

Wyborn is described as a thrill-seeking, globe-trotting, polo-playing, property-developing Kiwi with an adventurous identical twin to out-do.

The race re-creates the ancient network of horse-stations used by Genghis Khan for relaying messages across his empire.

Competitors race between regularly spaced horse stations, where they must change mounts.

Two South African TV adventurers from the 2011 edition have enlisted for a second attempt - apparently finishing 5th in 2011 was "not good enough".

A Danish champion jockey who has ridden the UK's Grand National, an Austrian polo player, American geologist, Australian Vet and part-time cowboy, Norwegian entrepreneur and a British government advisor are also among the first group to be awarded a place.

Getting a place is not automatic in the race. Each rider undergoes a rigorous interview and has to provide references to organisers, The Adventurists, to back up their own claims of equestrian hardiness, survival skills and general adventurism.

Each rider also has to raise a minimum of £1000 for the official race charity, Mercy Corps. The annual event was launched in 2009 and the riders have raised more than £150,000 for charity.

Before the race itself riders also undergo three days of intensive pre-race training in Mongolia and have to convince the trainers they're suitable to start and "weigh-out" at 85kg fully dressed.

The race typically takes between seven and ten days. The riders travel at least 100km every day while the horses are swapped every 40km at a network of horse-stations (Morin Urtuu in Mongolian).

In 2012, up to 1000 semi-wild Mongolian horses will be selected for the race.

The logistics of the race are vast, with nomadic herding families and horsemen providing the network of horse-stations and horses to make the 1000km race possible.

Twenty-five traditional Morin Urtuus will be set up along the course and in addition to the obligatory swapping of horses, riders also often eat and sleep with the Mongolian families in traditional Gers.

The second batch of places will be awarded in December and applications are still open. In total 35 riders are expected to start the 2012 race.

Mongol Derby 2012 Riders

Barry Armitage, 45, South Africa - Adventurer, historian, 2011 Derby returnee, determined to finish this time, and pushing to win.

Aimee Costello, 29, UK - Marketing analyst for Betfair, city dweller seeking wilderness.

Campbell Costello, 24, Australia - Vet and part-time cowboy.

Joe Dawson, 35, South Africa - Adventurer, father, salt to Barry Armitage's pepper. A 2011 Derby returnee, having finished 5th last time.

Eveline Gawne, 46, UK - book-keeper, Arab horse enthusiast, tough as old boots.

Karin Hofer, 39, Austria - polo playing, adventure loving, Pink Caravanning Dubai-based developer.

Lars Kelp, 47, Denmark - champion jockey-turned-bloodstock agent, has ridden in the UK Grand National.

Jess Pelaez, 29, United States - Geologist, narco-dodger, athlete, rider.

Paul de Rivaz, 62, UK - Government adviser, polo player, former SAS volunteer.

Jess Russell, 24,UK - PR for property developer, rides with Household Cavalry in London.

Linda Sandvik, 26, Norway - Runs her own web development company, enjoys flying gliders and riding bareback.

Erin Shanson, 27, United States - Horse-mad shipping lawyer, currently dodging tear gas working in Athens.

Ronald van der Velden, 51, the Netherlands - Alexander Technique teacher, chain-smoker, Derby 2011 returnee - "this time I am racing".

Sam Wyborn, 25, New Zealand - Thrill-seeking, globe-trotting, polo-playing, property-developing Kiwi with an adventurous identical twin to out-do.

Lucy Yorke-Long, 25, UK - A "feisty fit filly", youth spent on the hunting field, adulthood so far spent as a property consultant.