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Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB
Race Details:
- Location: Fruita, CO, USA
- Race Date: 04/10/2027
- Race Distances: 100 Kilometer, 50 Kilometer, Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: Yes
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB Description
The Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB is a multi-distance weekend in the red-rock desert outside Fruita, Colorado, with 100K, 50K, 21K, and 10K options starting near the Colorado River. The flagship 100K combines the rugged Kokopelli Loops with an out-and-back trip to the scenic Western Rim, climbing mesas and skirting canyon edges roughly 6,700 feet above the valley floor. A dual Western States and UTMB World Series qualifier, the event draws over a thousand runners each April for flowy singletrack, sweeping river views, and a full festival atmosphere.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB Additional Details:
The 100K starts at 5:00 AM Saturday with a 20-hour cutoff; a finish under that limit qualifies for the Western States lottery, while finishers of the 100K, 50K, or 21K all earn UTMB Index points and Running Stones toward the UTMB World Series Finals. The 50K starts at 7:00 AM Saturday with a 10-hour limit, and the 21K starts Sunday at 8:30 AM with a 5-hour limit, making the weekend easy to spectate across multiple days. Entry fees range from $155 for the 21K to $295 for the 100K. Half of each UTMB Community Bib purchase supports a local charity chosen by the race team, and the weekend includes a basecamp festival party and a free kids’ race for the whole family.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Mostly Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 20 hr (100K), 10 hr (50K), 5 hr (Half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 543 finishers - 21K distance (2026)
50K: 422 finishers (2026)
100K: 234 finishers (2026)
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 6,725 ft (100K), 3,445 ft (50K), 2,297 ft (Half)
Elevation Loss: 6,725 ft (100K), 3,445 ft (50K), 2,297 ft (Half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 33°F
- High: 65°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Explore structured plans across every ultra distance, from your first 50K to 100 miles and beyond.
Half Marathon Training Plan
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you strong and confident at 13.1.
Things to Do in Fruita, CO, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
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Hotels & Lodging Near the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB
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