Desert Rats 50K/Marathon

Race - Apr 16, 2022

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

This loop has amazing views of the Colorado River. The trails are rugged and flowy. A marathon is an easy option, just skip the Rustlers Loop. The marathon is a single loop connecting the desert trails of the Kokopelli and adjacent trails. 50K runners can do an additional 4.6-mi loop beginning at the Moore Fun Aid Station location allowing runners to hit this spot twice. The courses roll between elevations of 4,500 and 5,400 feet with over 3,400 feet of climbing.

A nice warm-up takes runners out one mile of gently rolling dirt road. A 0.3-mi uphill brings runners to an open area. A sharp left turn puts runners on the first singletrack of the day. Once on this section, it will be difficult to pass so find your place before you reach this section. Large rocks and twists bring you to a high point where you'll stay close to the edge and enjoy beautiful views before the rugged descent down the other side.

50K Out & Back: After leaving the Aid Station location, 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 into 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: You'll 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.

Crossroads: After a short climb, the course passes some intersecting trails and makes a couple of sharp turns (pay attention here). This will lead to the undulating, remote section of the Troy Built Trail. This is the longest section and can get hot so be sure to carry water with you. A fun descent through a wash will bring you to Troy Built.

Troy Built: Entering the Troy Built trail will put you on the steep, hot climb of the day. Eventually bringing you to Mack Ridge, this section will open up, once again following what some would consider a little too close to the overlook. The new section of singletrack Hawkeye Trail will make a sharp left turn and descend 2.8 miles to the backside of the parking lot and the finish line.