Desert Rats Trail Running Festival

Desert RATS Trail Running Festival

Desert RATS Trail Running Festival takes place in Fruita, Colorado across a weekend of desert trail running. The event spans multiple days of racing on trails that pass flowy singletrack, red slickrock cliff buttes, mesas, and sections that overlook the Colorado River.

The event schedule includes three days of racing and multiple race distances. Distances offered include:

• 100 KM with about 2050 m elevation gain
• 48 KM with about 1050 m elevation gain
• 21 KM with about 700 m elevation gain
• 9 KM with about 200 m elevation gain

The 100 KM race serves as a qualifier for the Western States Endurance Run for runners who finish in 20 hours or less. Finishers of the 100 KM, 48 KM, and 21 KM receive a UTMB Index and Running Stones that apply toward the UTMB World Series Finals lottery.

The weekend also includes a basecamp festival party, a free kids race, and other festival activities. The event is connected to UTMB Cares US and The IRONMAN Foundation grant efforts, which include charitable funding and volunteer initiatives for trail clean up and restoration. Information and race categories are organized under the UTMB World Series. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.