Sunday, 04 March 2018 09:06

Desert RATS Bio 2018 – Chris Ward

Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year?

From Like A Bigfoot podcast fame, Chris Ward hops over the Continental Divide to join the fun!

Marital Status: Married

Number of Children: 2

Occupation: Self-Employed

Years running: 10

Years running ultras: 5

Ultras I have done: Monument Valley 50 Miler Mount Masochist 50 Miler Quest for the Crest 50k Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock 50k Table Rock 50k Mountain RATS 50k Grayson Highlands 50k Holiday Lake 50k

Favorite race and why: My favorite race was the Quest for the Crest 50k in Asheville. There was an insane amount of elevation gain (12,00ft) and we were traveling through some extremely rugged trails. Halfway through the race to me it seemed to turn out to be less of a race and more of an adventure. I also LOVE adventure racing. A mixture of rafting, orienteering, trail running, and mountain biking with your buddies. We competed in an awesome one in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Best results in races: I got 9th in the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock 50k after being lost for 40 minutes of the race. Definitely my best ultra! I also won a trail half marathon in Danville, Virginia three years in a row with a time of 1:35.

Tell us something about yourself, running related or other: I started an outdoor sports and adventure podcast called “Like a Bigfoot” a year and a half ago and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I’ve been lucky enough to hear stories and training advice from elite athletes and well worn adventurers.

What’s your favorite way to train for Desert RATS: The thing that is driving me through training is using the time to explore all the beautiful trails out here on the front range of Colorado. Though I have to say the greatest way to train is to plan to have “Pizza Day” as the same day as “Long Run Day”.

What are your goals for Desert RATS: Finish. Survive. Enjoy. ….in no particular order!

Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:05

Gemini News – New Maps, Host Hotels & Volunteers

Things are cracklin’ around Gemini Headquarters as we get prepared for this year’s adventures!

- New MAPS! We now have updated maps to show recent re-routes and updated distances for the Trail Running Festival, Rabbit Valley Half, and Mountain RATS races. Many thanks to the tireless work of COPMBA members maintaining the trails we enjoy!
- Host Hotel! Coming down for the Trail Running Festival or Rabbit Valley Half? Looking for a place to stay? Super 8 in Fruita will be our host hotel again. Let them know you’re with the race and they’ll get you the best deal in town. Only 15 minutes from the trailhead.
- Time to Volunteer! We’re also now accepting volunteers for our 2018 events. Earn a free entry for you or a friend to a Gemini race! Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Sunday, 25 February 2018 09:05

Desert RATS Bio 2018 – Bob Stuka

Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year?

A ‘local boy’, Bob Stuka hails from Colorado Springs and is ready for more desert adventures!

Marital Status: Married

Number of Children: 2

Occupation: Self-Employed

Years running: 6+

Years running ultras: 1+

Ultras I have done: 1. Grand Canyon Ultra 2. Mountain Rats 50k 3. Copper Mountains 50k

Favorite race and why: My favorite trail is Manitou Springs Incline and I like it because it’s steep and challenging and it also gives me lots of power. It’s 2750 steps and up to 60% steepness and I train on this trail 5 times per week.

Best results in races: 1st place in my age group at the extra marathon in Colorado Springs.

Tell us something about yourself, running related or other: Running is my favorite hobby I like hiking and running fourteeners, I like a variety of different outdoor sports including things like extreme skiing and rock climbing.

What’s your favorite way to train for Desert RATS: Running the incline and running extreme Mountain trails.

What are your goals for Desert RATS: My goals for this race are to get the first place in my age group.

Wednesday, 21 February 2018 09:04

February – Letter from Reid

February Letter from Reid |

Adventurers,

Sometimes I can’t believe how fortunate I am. I live in a time where a full recovery from a broken leg is not only possible but expected. Cities are easy to navigate, I have a job where I mostly sit in front of a computer and I can even work out at a gym to keep in shape while my leg heals. I’ve been dabbling in some short hikes/runs but had my first true test in the foothills near Boulder, CO where I live. A nice 1 1/2 hour outing took me in the snow, on steep ups and rugged downs. For the first time, not only did I see a light at the end of the tunnel for this injury, but I was able to run toward it.

The 2018 season is moving forward and we’re making updates to our website, securing host hotels and planning parties. In Gemini News we’re highlighting some of these updates and are so excited to announce them. Check out Ian Corless’ tips for running endurance desert races in our Training section. Even if you’re not looking at our stage race, he has some great advice. Speaking of the Kokopelli 150- On The Trail, Brian Passenti shares his race report from last year’s race. It’s a moving, well written account of a race that has a big impact on a lot of people. Finally, check out how you can win a free entry to the Mountain RATS marathon in Eagle, CO.

Enjoy the trails

Reid Delman
Gemini Adventures

Sunday, 18 February 2018 09:03

Desert RATS Bio 2018 – Rachel Ridgway

Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year?

Rachel Ridgway comes representing the East Coast, hailing from Frederick, MD, and will be making many new best friends!

Number of Children: 2

Occupation: Physician Assistant

Years running: 30+ (Junior High Track to Present)

Years running ultras: 10+

Ultras I have done: 23, ranging from 50k – 100 Miles, including JFK50k and Chattanooga 100

Favorite race and why: Catoctin 50k — it’s in my backyard, and is absolutely dreadful (which means I don’t get stressed out by trying to go fast — the goal is just to survive)

Best results in races: PRs include: Marathon 3:41; 50K: 5:47, 50mi: 10:57

Tell us something about yourself, running related or other: I’m snarky. I judge people based on how they use of apostrophes. I’ll be your best friend forever.

What’s your favorite way to train for Desert RATS: Wait…we have to train?

What are your goals for Desert RATS: To enjoy every moment, thank every volunteer, and finish every stage with no regrets.