Race: Desert Rats 50k

Runner: Kyle Fulmer

Race Date: 04/15/2023

Location: Fruita, CO

Results: 5:14, 44th Place

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8897031080

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

• The Views! – amazing views of the surrounding mesas, and the rim trails above the CO River were spectacular
  
• The Trails! – just the right amount of technical. Really runnable, but techy enough you have to pay attention!
  
• The Afterparty! – BYOB and a bluegrass band in town, yes please!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

It was all pretty good. Aid stations were pretty spartan, but they had enough to get you through, but sadly no gourmet offerings.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Still feels like a small locals race, just happens to be run by UTMB 🙂

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Pretty smooth. Just wanted to find a flow and enjoy the day, and pretty much accomplished that!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

The climb out of mile 25 is a buttkicker late in the race…be ready for that. Other than the first climbs in mile 2 & 3, it is really the only other sustained climb in the race. The final downhill is techy enough to slow you down a bit, and a bit tough on tired legs. The final climb to the mesa and overlook is one of the better finishing vistas I’ve experience though.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Probably just to be aware of the last climb, and to bring the running legs for the middle miles.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Mentioned above!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous! Green canyons below the rim were rad.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It isn’t a gimme, but its also not terribly tough…solid Spring rust buster!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well oiled (except I heard on the aid stations ran out of water for a bit!)

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, thanks UTMB

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Don’t think so. Huge field. 400 runners in the 50k alone.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Spartan fare. Not gourmet, but good enough.

Weather and typical race conditions

Cool Spring temps, can get muddy with rain

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Emergency blanket, thanks UTMB! (they didn’t check)

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

I think so? Seemed to be folks at different aid stations.

How’s the Swag?

Kinda boring? Thanks UTMB.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4.5 stars, would recommend for a low key spring run