Desert RATS has been an annual tradition for Gemini Adventures since 2003! Join us for our 20th annual trail race in Colorado on the world-class trails near Fruita, Colorado. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with packet pickup and a food truck dinner hangout with friends, family, and fellow racers. Saturday is the big day for the trail marathon and 50K, followed that night with an outdoor racer party at the Fruita Community Center. Sunday’s events include a 10K, half marathon, and kids’ races. Friends and family are welcome at all events and participants are offered a special rate at our host hotel the Fruita Super 8. All of the distances sell out every year, so get in early.

The Desert RATS Trail Running Festival is a weekend-long celebrating everything that we love about the outdoors, including our community. It’s an event that’s unlike any other that’s guaranteed to be exciting, beautiful, and above all else: fun! Racers will be challenged with any of the races that we host during this weekend. If you’re looking for a new experience while trail running in Colorado, you can’t beat the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival.

We can’t wait to see you this April — good luck with your training!

 

Everyone is invited to the racer party Saturday night at 6:00 pm at the Fruita Community Center. At the conveniently located FCC in Fruita, we’ll hand out the awards for the day’s races. There will be food trucks, live music, and free microbrews! It’s a great opportunity to get together to see old friends and make new ones. Family, friends, and crew are welcome to join us for the award ceremony and racer party.

Men’s and Women’s winners of each of the four distances (50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K) will receive comp entries to next year’s races. $100 cash premiums will additionally be awarded to the first male and female racers to reach the 1.3-mile mark of the 50K and half marathon.

Customized cowbell awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each race for the following age groups:

  • Under 20
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60+

All racers will receive customized dog tag finisher’s awards as they cross the finish line. Placer’s awards will be distributed at each day’s awards ceremony. Awards and mementos will not be mailed after the event.

Desert Rats Key Event Details
50K
Marathon
Half Marathon
10K
Date

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

Start Times

7:00 AM

8:00 AM

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Start Location

Hawkeye Trailhead of the Kokopelli Trail just west of Fruita, Colorado, at exit #11 off I-70

Finish Line

Same as Starting Location

Cut Off Times

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

None

None

Take Interstate 70 west to Fruita (exit 19). Turn north onto Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Take a left on Maple Street and then travel north. The street will turn into 17.5 road. Take a right on N.3 Road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles on 18 Road to the trailhead.

Pricing
50K
Marathon
Half Marathon
10K
10K Youth
Early (Until 1/1)

$125

$110

$105

$70

$30

Standard (until 3/14)

$135

$120

$115

$80

$30

Late (until 4/14)

$145

$130

$125

$90

$30

Race Weekend

$155

$140

$135

$100

$30

Register

There will be a 500-person limit on Saturday and a 500-person limit on Sunday. Once the race is filled, a waitlist will be opened. Your credit card information will be required to get on the waitlist, but you will not be charged until you have officially registered for the race. You will be notified once a spot opens up and you will have 24 hours to register.

If the event is not sold-out, online registration closes on April 13th at 11:59 pm and registration will be available at packet pickup and race day morning.

Entry fees include place winner awards, shirts (or other race mementos), aid station goodies, a finisher’s memento, and post-race refreshments.

Courses
50K

Moore Fun1 – 5.9mi
Moore Fun2 – 10.2mi
Pizza Overlook – 14.3mi
Crossroads – 17.7mi
Troybuilt – 24.2mi
Elevation Gain: 3640’+
Low Point 4539′ – High Point 5400′

Course Map & Elevation Profile

Marathon

Moore Fun1 – 5.9mi
Pizza Overlook – 10.0mi
Crossroads – 13.4mi
Troybuilt – 19.9mi
Elevation Gain: 3580’+
Low Point 4552′ – High Point 5400′

Course Map & Elevation Profile

Half Marathon

Crossroads 1.5 miles
Pizza Overlook 3.0 miles
Moore Fun 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1540’+
Low Point 4591′ – High Point 5400′

Course Map & Elevation Profile

10K

Crossroads 1.5 miles
Pizza Overlook 3.0 miles
Crossroads 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 600’+
Low Point 4615′ – High Point 4826′

Course Map & Elevation Profile

Saturday Course

The marathon will be a single loop connecting the Kokopelli trail and adjacent trails. 50K runners will do an additional 4.6mi loop beginning at the Moore Fun Aid Station, which allows runners to hit this Aid Station twice. The two courses roll between elevations of 4,500 and 5,400 feet with over 3,400 feet of climbing.

Start: A nice warm-up takes runners out one mile of gently rolling dirt road. A 0.3 mile uphill brings racers to an open area where there will be a course official noting a $100 cash premium for the first male and the first female to reach this point. A sharp left turn puts runners on the first single track of the day. Once on this section, it will be difficult to pass so do your best to find your place before your reach this section. Large rocks and twists bring you to a high point where you will stay close to the edge and enjoy beautiful views before a rugged descent.

50K Out & Back: After leaving the Aid Station, 50K runners will head down the road to Rustler’s Loop. Traveling clockwise around the loop, this soft dirt trail winds its way through gently rolling hills and wide-open fields. After completing the loop, you’ll be back at Moore Fun.

Moore Fun: A short downhill will bring you to a rugged jeep road. It will take you up a gentle climb and descent until it connects to the wide, flat, and fast section of Mary’s Loop. Head right on Mary’s Loop, going through some fun technical terrain with amazing views of the Colorado River, to reach Pizza Overlook.

Pizza Overlook: Upon leaving the Aid Station, you will immediately begin descending quickly. A narrow trail and big drop-offs will eventually open up as you begin following the rim in and out of the canyons. On an incredibly picturesque course, this section is generally considered the most beautiful part of the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival.

Crossroads: After a short climb, the course passes some intersecting trails and makes a couple of sharp turns (please pay attention to the course markings). This will lead to the undulating, remote section of the Troybuilt Trail. This is the longest section between Aid Stations so be sure to fill up your water bottle before this section. A fun descent through a wash will bring you to Troybuilt.

Racers for both the 50K and marathon must make it to the Crossroads Aid Station by noon. Racers over this cut-off will be directed to bypass the remaining course, proceeding back to the Start/Finish by the most direct route: 1.5 miles on Mary’s Loop and Hawkeye.

Troybuilt: Leaving this Aid Station will put you on the steep, hot climb of the day. Eventually bringing you to Mack Ridge, this section will open up on a scenic overlook. A new section of single-track will make a sharp left turn and descend 2.8 miles to the finish line.

Saturday Course

Runners will begin on the gently rolling dirt road for a mile until they take a sharp right turn for 0.3 miles to the top of the hill. From there, the first Aid Station is visible and racers will then cross the cattle guard, staying on the road, and head down the steep hill to the Crossroads Aid Station.

Crossroads #1: Racers for both events will head out from the Aid Station down the steep, rocky gully for a short distance until it flattens out, but continues to twist and turn. Runners will reach a “T” in the road where they make a left-hand turn. You will then follow along the beautiful rim for a short time before heading up a steep ledge section to the Pizza Overlook Aid Station.

Pizza Overlook:

10K racers will take a left at the Aid Station on the rugged jeep road back to Crossroads Aid Station #2, then back over the cattle guard and to the Finish Line.

Half marathon racers will travel on the open rolling section of Mary’s Loop until hitting the Wrangler’s Loop cutoff. Make a sharp left at this point. Some sections will be loose or sandy, but there is good footing overall through this area. A nice descent will bring racers to the Moore Fun Aid Station.

Moore Fun: The trail becomes rocky and technical as there will be a big climb to the top of this fun section. After it levels off for a short distance, the trail will make a fun technical descent to the cattle guard. From there, you will go back the same way you came: down the short steep section to the dirt road and along the double-track to the finish line.

Friday

4:00p-7:00p – Packet Pick-Up and Food Trucks – Fruita Community Center

Saturday

Buses will leave Fruita 8/9 School every 15 minutes starting at 5:45am.

6:00a – Packet pick-up @ the Start Line.

7:00a – 50K Race start

8:00a – Marathon race start

12:00p – Crossroads Aid Cut-Off

5:00p – Marathon/50K Final Cut-Off

6:00p – Awards/Raffle/Party/Food/Music outside at the Fruita Community Center

Sunday

Buses will leave Fruita 8/9 School every 15 minutes starting at 6:45am.

7:00a – Packet pick-up @ the Start Line.

8:30a – Half Marathon start

9:00a – 10K start

9:15a – Easter Bunny/Free Kids Race/Easter egg hunt

11:30a – Awards/Raffle @ the Finish Line

Course Records

  • 50K Male: 3:41:56 – Jonathan Rea (2021)
  • 50K Female: 3:59:52 – Brittany Charboneau (2021)
  • Marathon Male: 3:04:35 – Pawel Oboz (2010)
  • Marathon Female: 3:24:10 – Anna Pichrtova (2009)
  • Half Marathon Male: 1:25:34 – Kyle Lund (2021)
  • Half Marathon Female: 1:37:50 – Claire Benjamin (2021)
  • 10K Male: 34:36 – Joseph Manila Fasha (2006)
  • 10K Female: 44:51 – Lynda Andros (2006)

Where Can I Park?

There will be no parking for racers, spectators, or crew at the start/finish area. Desert RATS Trail Running Festival racers will park at the Fruita 8/9 School located at 1835 J Road, Fruita CO 81521 and we will provide buses to the start line. Buses will leave every 15 minutes starting at 5:45 AM on Saturday and 6:15 AM on Sunday, running all day. There will be portable toilets available here and plenty of parking.

The bus ride takes about 20 minutes and is open to racers, family, friends, and crew. Strollers are allowed on the bus, but no dogs are allowed. Spectators should be respectful of the runners who may need to make it to the start and wait for the next available seat if necessary.

Race morning can be very hectic and unpleasant if unprepared! You need to be ready to get on the bus or quickly hop out of your car so you don’t ruin the experience for the person waiting behind you.

Can Racers Be Dropped Off or Picked Up by Friends?

There will be a small racer drop-off and pick-up area at the start area, just south of the Mack Exit off I-70. This are can get congested though, so we recommend busing for a low-stress experience.

When exiting the highway cars will head south and follow signs to the drop-off area. There will be absolutely no stopping or parking except to briefly drop off or pick up a racer. Cars will be encouraged to keep moving to avoid bottlenecks.

If a racer needs to be picked up by car, they will go to the racer drop-off/pick-up area and then call their driver. If needed, drivers can park and wait at the parking area at the Fruita 8/9 School.

Whether you choose the bus or not, racers will need to be prepped and ready to go on race morning to streamline the process. Please be completely packed with everything you will need for your pre-race, race, and post-race. You will be able to leave your bag at the start/finish area and pick it up after your trail race in Colorado.

The future of this event is contingent on the bus and racer drop-off areas running smoothly and all participants adhering to the rules. Our volunteers will be strictly enforcing these rules and we ask you to please thank them for being so generous with their time to support your trail running in Colorado.

Can I Bring my Own Bag?

Racers are welcome to bring their own bags or use our swag bags for storing jackets, post-race clothing, or other gear at the start/finish area. Racers will clearly label their bags with their race number on white tape provided by Gemini Adventures. We will have a collection tent for the bags.

Please do not forget to pick up your bags! We will take any extras to the awards party at the Fruita Community Center Saturday night and to the Sunday races. Anything left after Sunday will be donated.

What Should I Bring?

You should know what will bring you the most comfort for any type of trail running in Colorado by way of apparel, shoes, food and liquid intake. If needed, we can offer suggestions on things you should bring and there will be several really amazing aid stations throughout the races to offer support.

What Will Be Provided at the Aid Stations?

At each aid station, there will be radio contact available and all necessary materials to nurse any bumps, cuts, bruises, or blisters. The start/finish will have a medical tent and medics, including a certified Emergency Medical Technician. Aid stations will NOT have aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs.

Aid Stations will additionally be stocked with Hammer gels, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly rolls, chocolate, bananas, skittles, ice water, and HEED by Hammer Nutrition.

Please note that we will provide no cups at the aid stations to reduce waste, so please carry a water bottle, hydration pack, or collapsible cup on the course. Racers will receive a SpeedCup from Hammer Nutrition to use on the course.

What Accommodations Are Available?

This year, our host hotel will be the Super 8 in Fruita. You can get a special rate on accommodations if you mention the Desert RATS festival.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

The weather on the Kokopelli trail of Fruita, CO can vary. The averages for April are a low of 35°F & a high of 66°. We’ve had anywhere from 30s with sleet to 80s and sunny – so come prepared!

Are Dogs Allowed?

We love dogs! Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at the Start/Finish and at other events throughout the weekend.

Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs on course with their runners or on the buses.

Can I Go Off Trail?

Racers must stay on the designated course. Short-cutting will result in a disqualification. Please help us leave the trails better than we found them and deposit all trash in the proper containers.

Cryptobiotic soil is the foundation of desert plant life. This dark, knobby crust is made up of many different living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the desert ecosystem. However, this soil is extremely fragile and can take decades to grow. Even a footstep can damage the crust for decades, having lasting impacts on the desert environment.

What About Unforeseeable Circumstances?

In the case of unforeseeable circumstances due to weather or other extenuating circumstances that prevents the safe continuation of the race, race officials may end the race at any given time without a refund of unused portions. This rule will be implemented in the most extreme cases for the safety of the runners or officials.

I Lost Something at the Event! Is There a Lost & Found?

Items left at Aid Stations and lost & found items will be available at the Awards Ceremonies.

What’s our Refund Policy?

30 Days or more prior to the Event: 85% credit of registration fee (excluding UltraSignup fees).

Less than 30 days prior to the Event: No refunds or credit given.

Credits may be applied to any future Gemini Adventures race and will be valid for 12 months.

Registered runners may also switch between distances. No refunds or credit will be given for dropping down in distance. If stepping up in distance, the added current pricing of the longer distance will be charged (excluding UltraSignup fees).

To request credits, log in to your UltraSignup account, and go to Registration History. Select Edit for the event, and scroll to the bottom of the page where Cancel Registration is linked. Follow the prompts.