Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMBFruita, United States🇺🇸
About Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 is a trail race held from Thu, Apr 8, 2027 to Sun, Apr 11, 2027 in Fruita, United States; the start is at 05:00.
Registration is open; the deadline is Sun, Apr 4, 2027. Dates, registration windows and fees on this page are refreshed every morning by scanning federation, timing and organiser sites; registration always happens on the official race site.
Someone running 30 km a week needs 21 weeks, about 5 months, to prepare for the 100K course of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027; the latest start is Thu, Nov 12, 2026.
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB brings new trail runners and ultra veterans alike an incomparable weekend experience. With 4 unique distances, three days of racing, and indescribable views of the desert - there is something for every runner.
Courses
| Course | Distance | Elevation Gain | Km-effort | Course file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100K | 100 km | 2050 m D+ | 121 | GPX |
| 48K | 48 km | 1050 m D+ | 59 | GPX |
| 21K | 21 km | 700 m D+ | 28 | GPX |
| 9K | 9 km | 200 m D+ | 11 | GPX |
There are 4 courses: 100K (2050 m D+); 48K (1050 m D+); 21K (700 m D+); 9K (200 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
What the weather is usually like here
- Over the last 5 years this week typically ran 3°C to 19°C here, with a high of 29°C and a low of -6°C.
- 3% of those days saw rain. A real forecast lands about two weeks out and will appear here then.
- Typical daily maximum wind was 20 km/h (a moderate wind), with 41 km/h the highest value in the sample.
- Sunrise 06:48, sunset 19:46. You start in the dark, so a headtorch is not optional.
The race is more than two weeks out, so these are averages of recent years for the same week, not a forecast. A real forecast appears here closer to the day.
Race briefing
100K course102 km · 2386 m gain · 20% uphill · 12 aid stations
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 102 km with 2386 m of climbing, 23 m per km. The course sits between 1347 m and 1644 m of altitude. 55% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-10 km · Start → Rustler's 1: 287 m up / 329 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 10-13 km · Rustler's 1 → HiddenLoopPoint: 67 m up / 60 m down; gently rolling.
- 13-16 km · HiddenLoopPoint → Rustler's 2: 40 m up / 45 m down; gently rolling.
- 16-22 km · Rustler's 2 → Pizza Overlook: 176 m up / 117 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 22-28 km · Pizza Overlook → Crossroads: 277 m up / 279 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 28-40 km · Crossroads → Salt Creek 1: 354 m up / 307 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 40-52 km · Salt Creek 1 → Rabbit Valley 1: 120 m up / 198 m down; gently rolling.
- 52-60 km · Rabbit Valley 1 → Western Rim 1: 160 m up / 97 m down; gently rolling.
- 60-72 km · Western Rim 1 → Water Drop: 322 m up / 388 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 72-75 km · Water Drop → Western Rim 2: 93 m up / 12 m down; close to flat.
- 75-83 km · Western Rim 2 → Rabbit Valley 2: 86 m up / 164 m down; gently rolling.
- 83-95 km · Rabbit Valley 2 → Salt Creek 2: 194 m up / 119 m down; gently rolling.
- 95-102 km · Salt Creek 2 → Finish: 209 m up / 270 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
The race climbs from the gun: 180 m over the first 5 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The backbone of the course runs from km 0 to km 5: net 211 m over 4.8 km at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 11%, 254 m of climbing in total with 43 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 1 22 m, km 2 23 m, km 3 78 m, km 4 84 m, km 5 33 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 4 and loses 245 m by km 10 at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 11%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 95 averages 15% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km climb 84 m to the line. Know it going in and save something for it.
- The organiser lists 100 km; the published GPX measures 102 km. The organiser lists 2050 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 2386 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Start 05:00, sunrise 06:48: the first 1 hour 48 minutes are run in the dark. The headtorch goes on your head at the start, not in your pack.
- Sunset is 19:46 and the finish cut-off is 01:00. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 5 hours 14 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- Poles are optional: 23 m of gain per km. Bring them to protect your legs, not to gain speed.
- A single loop: start and finish share the same spot. Around 24% of the ground is covered twice.
- Km 74.5 to 79.7 is the same ground you covered at km 60.1; note your pace on the first pass and use it as the yardstick on the second.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Pizza Overlookkm 22
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A 12% pitch starts about 0.3 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
Rabbit Valley 1km 52
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Your drop bag waits here; work off your prepared list.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- Cut-off: 10h after the start.
Rabbit Valley 2km 83
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Your drop bag waits here; work off your prepared list.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- The longest unsupported stretch starts here: 12 km. Leave with full capacity.
- Cut-off: 16h 15m after the start.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Rabbit Valley 2 (km 83) to Salt Creek 2 (km 95): 12 km, with 194 m of climbing in between. Top up at Rabbit Valley 2 and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Drinks only, no food, at Water Drop (km 72). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- HiddenLoopPoint (km 13) is a timing point only, with nothing on the table. Load up as you leave Rustler's 1.
- Hot food is served at Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52) and Western Rim 2 (km 75). If your stomach and race plan call for it, make this a deliberate 3-5 minute stop; do not sit down simply because hot food is available. Restart gently and let your stomach settle before lifting the effort.
- Food is available at Rustler's 1 (km 10) and Rustler's 2 (km 16) and 6 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Drop bags at Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52) and Rabbit Valley 2 (km 83). Write down the equipment and food you expect to replace before the race so the decision is already made when you arrive.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0), Rustler's 1 (km 10), Rustler's 2 (km 16), Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52), Rabbit Valley 2 (km 83), and Finish (km 102). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Salt Creek 2 (km 95), leaving 5 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- The heaviest leg runs from Crossroads (km 28) to Salt Creek 1 (km 40): 12 km with 332 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Rustler's 1 (km 10), Rustler's 2 (km 16), Pizza Overlook (km 22), Crossroads (km 28), Salt Creek 1 (km 40), Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52), Western Rim 1 (km 60), Western Rim 2 (km 75), Rabbit Valley 2 (km 83), Salt Creek 2 (km 95), and Finish (km 102). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 0.3 km after Pizza Overlook (km 22), a roughly 250 m section averaging 12% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 20h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Salt Creek 2 (km 95) to Finish (km 102): the official time budget is 1h for 8 km and 209 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Rabbit Valley 1passes Rustler's 1, HiddenLoopPoint, Rustler's 2, Pizza Overlook, Crossroads, Salt Creek 1, which has no time limit | 52 km | 1321 m | 10h | start + 10h |
| Rabbit Valley 1 → Western Rim 1 | 7.9 km | 160 m | 1h 30m | start + 11h 30m |
| Western Rim 1 → Western Rim 2passes Water Drop, which has no time limit | 14 km | 415 m | 3h 30m | start + 15h |
| Western Rim 2 → Rabbit Valley 2 | 7.8 km | 86 m | 1h 15m | start + 16h 15m |
| Rabbit Valley 2 → Salt Creek 2 | 12 km | 194 m | 2h 45m | start + 19h |
| Salt Creek 2 → Finish | 7.6 km | 209 m | 1h | start + 20h |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes | — |
| Rustler's 1 | 10 | 10 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| HiddenLoopPoint | 13 | 3 | None | — | — | — |
| Rustler's 2 | 16 | 2.7 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| Pizza Overlook | 22 | 6.4 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Crossroads | 28 | 6.3 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Salt Creek 1 | 40 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Rabbit Valley 1Drop bag | 52 | 12 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 15:00 |
| Western Rim 1 | 60 | 7.9 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 16:30 |
| Water Drop | 72 | 12 | Drinks | — | — | — |
| Western Rim 2 | 75 | 2.6 | Hot food | Yes | No | Saturday 20:00 |
| Rabbit Valley 2Drop bag | 83 | 7.8 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 21:15 |
| Salt Creek 2 | 95 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | Sunday 00:00 |
| FinishDrop bag | 102 | 7.6 | None | Yes | Yes | Sunday 01:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
48K course49 km · 1418 m gain · 30% uphill · 6 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 49 km with 1418 m of climbing, 29 m per km. The course sits between 1382 m and 1643 m of altitude. 49% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-9.9 km · Start → Rustler's 1: 300 m up / 344 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 9.9-13 km · Rustler's 1 → HiddenLoopPoint: 69 m up / 60 m down; gently rolling.
- 13-16 km · HiddenLoopPoint → Rustler's 2: 39 m up / 46 m down; gently rolling.
- 16-22 km · Rustler's 2 → Pizza Overlook: 168 m up / 110 m down; gently rolling.
- 22-29 km · Pizza Overlook → Crossroads: 268 m up / 267 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 29-39 km · Crossroads → Troybuilt: 270 m up / 282 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 39-49 km · Troybuilt → Finish: 303 m up / 307 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
The race climbs from the gun: 191 m over the first 3.9 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The backbone of the course runs from km 1 to km 5: net 215 m over 4.6 km at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 13%, 267 m of climbing in total with 52 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 2 26 m, km 3 79 m, km 4 94 m, km 5 37 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The steepest wall stands between km 36 and km 44: net 211 m over 7.9 km at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 15%, 391 m of climbing in total with 180 m given back. Heaviest kilometres: km 40 105 m, km 44 56 m, km 43 48 m, km 37 47 m. By the time you start it, about 70% of the day's climbing is behind you. At this point in the day most runners walk this gradient. Settle into a hiking rhythm and let the metres come.
The longest descent starts at km 44 and loses 184 m by km 49 at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 8%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 5 averages 13% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 5.9 km drop 132 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
- The organiser lists 48 km; the published GPX measures 49.1 km. The organiser lists 1050 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 1418 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 2 hours 46 minutes before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- Poles are optional: 29 m of gain per km. Bring them to protect your legs, not to gain speed.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Crossroadskm 29
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- The longest unsupported stretch starts here: 11 km. Leave with full capacity.
- Cut-off: 5h after the start.
Troybuiltkm 39
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- The climb starts immediately on exit (15%); keep the stop short.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Crossroads (km 29) to Troybuilt (km 39): 11 km, with 188 m of climbing in between. Top up at Crossroads and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- HiddenLoopPoint (km 13) is a timing point only, with nothing on the table. Load up as you leave Rustler's 1.
- Food is available at Rustler's 1 (km 10) and Rustler's 2 (km 16) and 3 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0), Rustler's 1 (km 10), Rustler's 2 (km 16), Troybuilt (km 39), and Finish (km 49). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Troybuilt (km 39), leaving 9 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Rustler's 1 (km 10), Rustler's 2 (km 16), Pizza Overlook (km 22), Crossroads (km 29), Troybuilt (km 39), and Finish (km 49). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The climbing starts the moment you leave Troybuilt (km 39): the steepest roughly 250 m section averages 15%. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then begin the climb under control.
- The overall cut-off is 10h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Start to Crossroads (km 29): the official time budget is 5h for 29 km and 845 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes | — |
| Rustler's 1 | 9.9 | 9.9 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| HiddenLoopPoint | 13 | 3 | None | — | — | — |
| Rustler's 2 | 16 | 2.7 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| Pizza Overlook | 22 | 6.6 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Crossroads | 29 | 6.3 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 12:00 |
| Troybuilt | 39 | 11 | Food | Yes | Yes | — |
| FinishDrop bag | 49 | 10 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 17:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
21K course21 km · 618 m gain · 19% uphill · 3 aid stations
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 21 km with 618 m of climbing, 29 m per km. The course sits between 1388 m and 1644 m of altitude. 44% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-2.8 km · Start → Crossroads: 62 m up / 50 m down; gently rolling.
- 2.8-5.2 km · Crossroads → Pizza Overlook: 123 m up / 107 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 5.2-12 km · Pizza Overlook → Moore Fun: 100 m up / 157 m down; gently rolling.
- 12-21 km · Moore Fun → Finish: 334 m up / 304 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
The first 1.7 km are close to flat, good for settling in. Do not set your pace here, the real course starts after.
The backbone of the course runs from km 12 to km 17: net 238 m over 5.4 km at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 11%, 310 m of climbing in total with 72 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 13 60 m, km 14 86 m, km 15 50 m, km 16 72 m, km 17 30 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 16 and loses 203 m by km 21 at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 11%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it.
The last 2.6 km drop 71 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 6 hours 16 minutes before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- Poles are optional: 29 m of gain per km. Bring them to protect your legs, not to gain speed.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Crossroadskm 2.8
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A 15% pitch starts about 1.8 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
Moore Funkm 12
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- The heaviest leg is next: 9.7 km with 353 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 2h 30m after the start.
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 10 km, with 353 m of climbing in between, from Moore Fun (km 12) to Finish (km 21). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Food is available at Crossroads (km 3) and Pizza Overlook (km 5) and 1 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 21). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Crossroads (km 3), Pizza Overlook (km 5), Moore Fun (km 12), and Finish (km 21). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 2 km after Crossroads (km 3), a roughly 250 m section averaging 15% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 5h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Start to Moore Fun (km 12): the official time budget is 2h 30m for 12 km and 285 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes | — |
| Crossroads | 2.8 | 2.8 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Pizza Overlook | 5.2 | 2.5 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Moore Fun | 12 | 6.5 | Food | Yes | No | Sunday 11:00 |
| FinishDrop bag | 21 | 9.6 | Food | Yes | Yes | Sunday 13:30 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
9K course10 km · 235 m gain · 0% uphill · 3 aid stations
- Flat
The published GPX measures 9.6 km with 235 m of climbing, 25 m per km. The course sits between 1387 m and 1470 m of altitude.
- 0-2.8 km · Start → Crossroads 1: 58 m up / 46 m down; gently rolling.
- 2.8-5 km · Crossroads 1 → HiddenLoopPoint: 103 m up / 100 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 5-6.8 km · HiddenLoopPoint → Crossroads 2: 27 m up / 30 m down; gently rolling.
- 6.8-9.6 km · Crossroads 2 → Finish: 46 m up / 61 m down; gently rolling.
The first 1.5 km are close to flat, good for settling in. Do not set your pace here, the real course starts after.
The last 2 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
- The organiser lists 9 km; the published GPX measures 9.6 km. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Start 00:00, sunrise 06:48: the first 6 hours 48 minutes are run in the dark. The headtorch goes on your head at the start, not in your pack.
- Sunset is 19:46, 19 hours 46 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
- A single loop: start and finish share the same spot. Around 31% of the ground is covered twice.
- Km 6.6 to 9.6 is the same ground you covered at km 2.9; note your pace on the first pass and use it as the yardstick on the second.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Crossroads 1km 2.8
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A 10% pitch starts about 2 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
- HiddenLoopPoint (km 5) is a timing point only, with nothing on the table. Load up as you leave Crossroads 1.
- Food is available at Crossroads 1 (km 3) and Crossroads 2 (km 7). Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 10). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Crossroads 1 (km 3), Crossroads 2 (km 7), and Finish (km 10). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 2 km after Crossroads 1 (km 3), a roughly 250 m section averaging 10% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Crossroads 1 | 2.8 | 2.8 | Food | Yes | No |
| HiddenLoopPoint | 5 | 2.3 | None | — | — |
| Crossroads 2 | 6.8 | 1.8 | Food | Yes | No |
| FinishDrop bag | 9.6 | 2.8 | Food | Yes | Yes |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
Calculators for this race
Data sources: UTMB World Series, official site (desertrats.utmb.world) · Last checked:
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Frequently asked questions
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What is Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB?
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB brings new trail runners and ultra veterans alike an incomparable weekend experience. With 4 unique distances, three days of racing, and indescribable views of the desert - there is something for every runner.
When is Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB takes place on Thu, Apr 8, 2027 - Sun, Apr 11, 2027. Start time: 05:00.
Where does Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB take place?
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB takes place in Fruita, United States.
What are the courses and distances of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB offers 4 courses: 100K (100 km, 2050 m D+); 48K (48 km, 1050 m D+); 21K (21 km, 700 m D+); 9K (9 km, 200 m D+).
How hard is Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 100K course covers 100 km with 2050 m of climbing, which is 121 km-effort and falls in ITRA category L. All courses: 100K 121 km-effort (L), 48K 59 km-effort (S), 21K 28 km-effort (XS), 9K 11 km-effort (XXS).
Is registration for Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 open?
Registration appears to be open; the deadline is Sun, Apr 4, 2027.
When is the registration deadline for Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The registration deadline for Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB is Sun, Apr 4, 2027.
What is the official website of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB?
Official website: https://desertrats.utmb.world/
Is the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 course a loop or an out and back?
The 100K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 102 km. The 48K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 49.1 km. The 21K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 21.3 km.
Where is the hardest climb at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The biggest climb on the 100K course runs from km 0 to km 5: 4.8 km for 211 m at 4% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 11%. It tops out at 1637 m.
How high does Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 go?
The 100K course runs between 1347 m and 1644 m with 2386 m of total climbing.
Do you need poles at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The 100K course averages 23 m of gain per km. Poles are optional here.
Do you need a headtorch at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
100K: Start 05:00, sunrise 06:48: the first 1 hour 48 minutes are run in the dark. The headtorch goes on your head at the start, not in your pack. Sunset is 19:46 and the finish cut-off is 01:00. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 5 hours 14 minutes in darkness. Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare. Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
What is the weather like at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Over the last 5 years the same week here measured 3°C to 19°C, with a high of 29°C, a low of -6°C and rain on 3% of days. A real forecast lands about two weeks out.
Where are the aid stations at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The 100K course has 12 stations; the first at km 10 and the last at km 95. The longest gap between them is 12 km, between Rabbit Valley 2 and Salt Creek 2.
What is served at the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 aid stations?
For the 100K course: Hot food: Rabbit Valley 1 (52. km), Western Rim 2 (75. km). Drinks only: Water Drop (72. km). No supplies at all: HiddenLoopPoint (13. km).
Is there a drop bag at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Yes. On the 100K course the drop bag point is Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52).
What are the cut-off times for the 100K at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
On the 100K course at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 the finish cut-off is Sunday 01:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Rabbit Valley 1 (km 52) Saturday 15:00, Western Rim 1 (km 60) Saturday 16:30, Western Rim 2 (km 75) Saturday 20:00, Rabbit Valley 2 (km 83) Saturday 21:15, Salt Creek 2 (km 95) Sunday 00:00.
What are the cut-off times for the 48K at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
On the 48K course at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 the finish cut-off is Saturday 17:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Crossroads (km 29) Saturday 12:00.
What are the cut-off times for the 21K at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
On the 21K course at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 the finish cut-off is Sunday 13:30. Intermediate cut-offs: Moore Fun (km 12) Sunday 11:00.
What time does Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 start?
Known start times: 100K 05:00, 48K 07:00, 21K 08:30, 9K 00:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
What is the time limit at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The finish time limit is 100K Sunday 01:00, 48K Saturday 17:00, 21K Sunday 13:30. Intermediate stations carry their own cut-offs; the full list is in the checkpoint table on this page.
Is there a GPX file for Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Yes. The GPX files for the 100K, 48K, 21K, 9K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB course should you choose?
The shortest option is 9K (9 km, 200 m D+) and the longest is 100K (100 km, 2050 m D+). With little trail experience the 9K is the safer start; the 100K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The 100K course averages 23 m of climbing per km, with 2386 m of total ascent and 2387 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 11%.
How runnable is the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 course?
Expect a mix of running and power hiking: 23 m of gain per km; hiking the long climbs is normal, and the longest climb runs 5 km.
Where is the steepest part of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The steepest kilometre of the 100K course averages 11% and sits inside the climb between km 38 and km 40.
How many climbs does Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 have?
The 100K course has 10 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 0-5 (211 m at 4%); km 70-75 (141 m at 3%); km 38-40 (137 m at 11%).
Is there a long climb at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Yes. The longest climb runs 5 km from km 25, gaining 115 m at 2% average, topping out at 1504 m.
What are the descents like at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
There is 2387 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 5.7 km between km 4 and km 10, losing 245 m.
Are there flat sections at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Yes, roughly 64% of the course is near flat, with long sections where a rhythm holds.
Is the hard part of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027 early or late?
The climbing is evenly split: 55% of it sits in the first half.
What is the elevation range at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The lowest point of the 100K course sits at 1347 m and the highest at 1644 m, a range of 297 m.
Are poles mandatory at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles are optional.
Do you need to carry water at Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027?
Yes: the longest stretch without aid on the 100K course is 12.2 km, so carrying backup water is essential.