Taking part in the 2018 edition were 14 riders in total: Anna Boden (UK), Daisy Soames (UK), Jamey Altman (USA), Katy Willings (UK), Iain Paterson (UK), Francisco Schnaas (MX), Courtney Kizer (USA), Catriona Paterson (CAN), Melissa Montgomery (USA), Chetta Crowley (AUS), Rosie Riall (UK), Hanna Bartnick (USA), Julie Eldridge (USA), and Mohammed Nasser (UAE).

No South Africans took part in this edition, but the 2016 race was won by South Africa’s own Monde Khanyana who beat an international field that comprised a high number of Mongol Derby veterans, including the 2014 Mongol Derby winner, Australian Sam Jones, who came second in the 2016 South African race.

During Race the Wild Coast 2018, the constantly changing conditions due to rain and wind on the first two days resulted in frequent alterations to the leader positions. Horse and rider had to work together to overcome obstacles.