We love our racers & volunteers, and greatly appreciate all the feedback you share with us. It helps us constantly improve our races and your experience. We’d like to share some of our favorite feedback from this year’s adventurers: “This was my first half marathon and first trail race. I lost over 45 lbs this year, and this was a huge event for me and my only race. Everyone who worked it was amazing and everyone competing was amazing. I […]
What a fantastic season! With 12 races spread over 5 events, we got to see and celebrate so many different amazing runners and bikers. It was a pleasure to share the trails with you, and see the tremendous effort each individual exhibited. Some highlights & fun facts: Over 30% of our racers set personal bests for distance, stepping up to a new longest race Nearly 100 volunteers joined us this season, adding amazing energy to our events (and each earning […]
Adventurers, Often we refer to the Autumn as the end of an era (i.e. the autumn of your life). In the race world it’s actually the opposite. Yes, we’re closing up the races for the year. And yes, we had our last event in Eagle, CO earlier last month. This is a great time to reflect on the year and begin planning for next year. Racer surveys are reviewed, budgets are planned and the creative juices begin to flow. Not […]
Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year? Paul Scheuring, a Marathon de Sables vet, is trying out his deserts back home this year. Will he keep his toenails? Tune in later to find out! Marital Status: Married Number of Children: 2 Occupation: Writer Years running: 10 Years running ultras: 4 Ultras I have done: Marathon des Sables, Quad-Dipsea, Canyon Meadow 50k Favorite race and why: MdS…loved being out there all that time, having all my […]
Desert RATS Kokopelli 150 Stage Race – Updates Live Tracking Live Tracking – this is our first year offering live tracking, and please regard it as a trial. We’re working with Adventure Enablers. The goal is near-real time tracking for every stage but we can’t guarantee it until we try it. Please don’t be concerned if there are lags or drops in coverage. Pre-Race Stage 3 – Sprint – 9.3mi, 761′ Gain Kyla – Sprint Stage is fast! Everyone […]
Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year? Welcome Jay Lund, a combat veteran, South Florida Fed-Ex Driver, advocate for veteran mental health crises, and Waffle House aficionado! Marital Status: Widowed Number of Children: 0 (My dog keeps me plenty busy) Occupation: Been with Federal Express for 10+ years. [Gotta admit, running around every day in shorts throughout southwest Florida making deliveries up and down the beach is a pretty good gig.] In a previous life […]
Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year? A Desert RATS veteran with copious experience with epic adventures, Samantha Pruitt is using the California heat to ready herself for our desert adventure! Marital Status: Married to Davey Boy Pruitt Number of Children: 4 Occupation: Entrepreneur and Race Director Years running: 18 Years running ultras: 7 Ultras I have done: Oh lord I really can’t recall them all but my big boys are Desert Rats 150, Rio […]
Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year? Bringing the triple skill threat of yard spinning, tire pulling and trauma therapy, RATS veteran Tara Tulley returns to tackle the desert again. Marital Status: Married Number of Children: 3 Occupation: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Professional Midwife, EMDR practitioner Years running: 39.5 Years running ultras: 11 Ultras I have done: I forgot Favorite race and why: Desert RATS because it sucks Best results in races: 10 hour 50 […]
Kannah Creek Brewing in Grand Junction has been a long-time partner for our post-race parties for the Trail Running Festival, Rabbit Valley Half Marathon and Desert RATS MTB Classic. They were founded in 2005 as a locally-owned small business and continue that tradition today with two locations. With beer, pizza, wings and more, they’re a top choice for hungry athletes after a day of play on Western Slope trails.
Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year? Hopping over from the Western States home in Auburn, California, Anne Thilges is veteran of >30 Ironman triathlons and mentee of ultra-legend Ann Trason. Marital Status: Married Number of Children: One resident dog and always one or two foster dogs. Does that count? Occupation: Business consultant and part-time endurance coach Years running: 40 years. Oh my! Years running ultras: My first marathon was in 1988 (30 years ago) […]