Desert RATS Kokopelli 150

Race - Jun 14, 2020

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Racers will run from Grand Junction, Colorado to the world famous Moab, Utah along the beautiful 148-mile Kokopelli trail. Distances will range from day to day between 9 and 42 miles. This is a grueling event that will challenge the most seasoned athletes yet it is designed so that less experienced ultrarunners can train for and successfully complete the course. The entire length of the trail is stunningly beautiful with jagged canyons and breathtaking vistas.

STAGE 1

Day 1: (20 miles) From Loma to Rabbit Valley this section is truly one of the most beautiful sections of the entire course. Amazing canyons and overlooks make this section a great way to start the race. Aid stations will be at approximately 6 miles and 13 miles into the section.

STAGE 2

Day 2: (39 miles) From Rabbit Valley to Fish Ford you'll get your first taste of how remote this trail could make you feel. A climb to the top of the mesa will add a nice steep half mile challenge in the middle of the day. Five aid stations and one water drop will be available, the first aid station is the Rabbit Valley Aid Station (5 miles) with the second being at the top of the climb Mesa Aid Station (13.1 miles) . The third is as you hit the Westwater pavement (17.5 miles) and the water drop is after the pavement ends four miles later. The Cottonwood Wash Aid Station (28.2 miles) is just as the road begins the long gradual descent toward Cisco Boat Landing. Finally, the Pump House Aid Station (34 miles) will give you a break before you hit the last four miles to camp.

STAGE 3

Day 3: (9 miles) No aid stations will be available on the section between Fish Ford and Highway 128. As you enter the trail you'll travel through remote rolling cow pastures and over slickrock, until you finally make the climb away from the river. Although there are many twists and turns, the footing is good and will make it a short, fast day and allow more time to anticipate the Expedition Stage to follow.

STAGE 4

Days 4 and 5: (43 miles) This stage is what this race is all about. The day starts with a steep five mile climb away from the Colorado River. The Canyon aid station will be a welcome site after a five mile rolling climb. This aid station is the kick off point for the most remote section you'll experience. After the second aid station, the trail widens and will be pleasant as the temperatures cool. A fast downhill paved section is the reward for all the climbing earlier. This is the only stage where racers will be allowed to travel in the dark therefore racers will have more required gear during this stage. Front runners will need to push the pace during this section because such a long stage could make or break a racers time. For those looking to just survive, the cut-off times will be lenient. Aid will be at Canyon (5.1), Onion Creek (17.8), a water drop (29.8) and Gateway (34).

STAGE 5

Day 6: (26.2 miles) A wonderful finish to such a challenging race is a full marathon finishing at the Slickrock parking lot in Moab. A staggered start will allow all the front and back of the pack to share the trails together for an exciting finish. Starting with the steep climb on pavement this section will allow beautiful views of the La Sal mountains and Fisher Valley to the east. A gradual downhill on jeep road brings you to the Slickrock Trail parking lot and the finish line. The aid is at the La Sal aid station (5.9), water drop (9.3), Porcupine Rim #1 (14.5) and Porcupine #2 (19.5).