Katikati's Ben Wilks started Mongolian Derby

Katikati's Ben Wilks set off on the adventures of a lifetime yesterday. Photo/file

Katikati's Ben Wilks set off on the adventures of a lifetime at 7am yesterday, to compete in the Mongol Derby - the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

During the next 1000 km the 24-year-old will be strapping himself to 28 different horses, riding each for about 40km, riding about 130 km a day.

Some days he will do more, some less.

Earlier this year the Bay of Plenty Times caught up with him on the trip.

Mr Wilks was quite nervous about starting the race because of wanting to do well in it.

Ben Wilks, Brendan Cameron, Alexander Dobres, Patrick Sells on their way.

This morning Mr Wilks had made it to check point three of the race with several other riders where he spent the night.

The race started yesterday and will finish any where from 7 to 10 days from now.

Live tracking of the race can be watched here.