Every April, trail runners from all over the world gather in Fruita, Colorado, USA, to participate in the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB. This is a magnificent event across deserts, cliffs and canyons, and a test of both body and will. In the world of trail running, desert tracks are always one of the most awe-inspiring challenges. It not only tests the physical limits of runners, but also a game of wits with high temperatures, wind and sand, temperature differences between day and night, and complex terrain. The secret to a successful finish lies not only in strong legs, but also in a deep understanding of extreme environments, scientific and systematic preparation, and calm decisions in the face of emergencies. When you stand at the starting point, what greets you is not only a distance of 42 kilometers or 100 kilometers, but also an ultimate test of natural forces and human will.
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB offers four races:

The route traverses the most famous sections of the Kokopelli Trail, such as the Western Rim, Rustler’s Loop, and the Moore Fun Trail, and features technical singletrack, rocky trails, and exposed mesa cliff terrain, paired with endless desert scenery and the Colorado River Canyon.
Main terrain features & impact on trail running
Dunes & Loose Sand
Features:
●Dunes vary in height and can reach a slope of 30-45°.
●The sand is soft, and the soles of the feet sink, resulting in increased energy loss.
●Wind and sand easily cover footprints, making it difficult to find a stable route.
Impact on trail running:
●Decreased stride efficiency: Every step you take will sink, resulting in energy consumption 20-30% higher than hard ground.
●Increased burden on calf and ankle joints: Increased muscle fatigue may cause cramps.
●Difficult to identify the track: Wind and sand will cover the path, making it easy to get lost, and navigation equipment is needed.
Coping strategies:
●Shorten the stride to avoid sinking deep into the sand.
●Use the forefoot/midfoot to land to reduce resistance.
●Run along the footprints of predecessors to reduce physical exertion.
●Choose lightweight, grippy shoes and equip them with sand-proof foot guards (Gaiters).

Hard Packed Desert Trails
Features:
●It is formed by compaction of dry soil and gravel, and the surface is hard.
●It is more stable than soft sand, but there may still be gravel or cracks.
Impact on trail running:
●The speed is faster, but the impact force when the sole of the foot lands is greater, which can easily cause pain in the sole of the foot or knee discomfort.
●It is easy to trip: cracks and gravel may cause stumbling or spraining.
●It reflects heat strongly: the temperature is higher than soft sand, and runners are more likely to get heatstroke.
Coping strategies:
●Wear trail running shoes with strong shock absorption (such as Hoka Speedgoat).
●Increase the cadence, avoid large strides, and reduce joint impact.
●Wear a hat and sunglasses to reduce the impact of sunburn on the eyes and head.

Rocky Terrain & Gravel Roads
Features:
●It is composed of weathered rocks and gravel, and the ground is hard and irregular.
●Some areas may have steep rock slopes, which increases the technical difficulty.
Impact on trail running:
●Running rhythm is limited, so you need to choose your footing carefully.
●High risk of sprains, especially when going downhill at a fast speed.
●Sole wear accelerates, and if the shoe does not have enough grip, you may slip.
Strategies:
●Choose trail running shoes with high grip, such as Salomon Speedcross.
●Slow down appropriately when going downhill to avoid stepping on loose rocks.
●Use trekking poles (recommended for races over 100K) to improve stability.

Salt Flats & Dry Lakes
Features:
●Constituted of dried lakes or salt flats, the ground is hard but may hide traps.
●The surface of some areas is soft and slippery underneath, making it easy to sink.
Impact on trail running:
●Many cracks on the surface affect stability.
●Water evaporates faster and body fluids are lost at a higher rate.
●Salt may form on the shoes, affecting breathability.
Strategies:
●Ensure adequate hydration and increase electrolyte intake appropriately.
●Avoid dark-colored wetland areas to avoid getting stuck in the mud.
●Wash your shoes after the race to prevent salt residue from affecting the life of your shoes.

Desert Nights & Temperature Drop
Features:
●The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is large, and it may drop below 5°C at night (especially in 100K events).
●Visibility is low during night running, and there is almost no light in the desert area.
Impact on trail running:
●Large temperature difference can easily lead to hypothermia, affecting muscle performance.
●It is difficult to identify the route at night, increasing the risk of getting lost.
Strategy:
Carry a lightweight windproof jacket & warm layer to adapt to temperature changes.
Wear a high-brightness headlamp (recommended 300 lumens or more) to ensure clear vision during night running.
Use GPS devices & paper maps to ensure route navigation.

Climate & other environmental factors
High temperature & scorching sun
●The temperature during the day can reach more than 40°C, which can easily cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
●Long-term direct sunlight exposure may cause sunburn.
Coping strategies:
Carry enough water (at least 1.5-2L) and rehydrate every 15-20 minutes.
Wear UPF50+ sun protection equipment (hat, sleeves, sunglasses).
Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) to avoid sunburn.
Wind & sandstorms
●Strong winds will blow up sand and dust, reduce visibility and affect breathing.
●May cause eye and throat discomfort, affecting running rhythm.
Coping strategies:
●Wear a magic headscarf/mask to reduce sand and dust inhalation.
●Use polarized sunglasses to prevent sand from entering the eyes.
●Pay attention to weather forecasts and avoid setting off during high-incidence sandstorms.

Trail running equipment selection
The desert trail running environment is extreme, and the selection of equipment is extremely demanding. The core equipment must meet the requirements of high temperature protection, durability, light weight, stability and hydration efficiency, while the optional equipment can be adjusted according to personal habits and race distance.
Trail running vest pack (5L-12L)
Selection criteria:
●Capacity matching race distance: 5L for less than 20K, 8L for 50K, 10L-12L for 100K and above, to ensure sufficient space for water and supplies.
●High breathability: The desert temperature is high, and a lot of sweat is produced when running. The backpack material should have good breathability to avoid stuffiness on the back.
●Strong fit: Trail running vest packs should fit the body tightly to reduce shaking, and the shoulder straps and back should have adjustable designs to adapt to different body shapes.
●Multiple storage compartment design: soft bottles and energy supplies can be placed on the front, small items can be stored in the side pockets, and the back compartment can accommodate soft flasks, windbreakers, etc.
●External hanging points: It is recommended to have external hanging points for races of 50K and above, which can fix trekking poles, additional water bottles, etc.
Soft Reservoir & soft flask (1.5L-2L)
Selection criteria:
●Soft Reservoir & soft flask combination: Soft Reservoir is suitable for long-term hydration, and soft flask is convenient for carrying sports drinks or electrolyte water to improve hydration efficiency.
●Capacity requirement: At least 1L of water is required for short distance (≤20K); at least 2L of water is recommended for long distance (≥50K) to prevent water shortage between supply points.
●Leak-proof design: The soft bottle should have a locking nozzle to prevent water leakage during running; the soft flask straw should have a dust cover to avoid inhaling sand.
●Heat resistance: Heat-resistant materials should be selected to avoid plastic deformation or odor caused by long-term exposure.
GPS equipment & paper map 
Applicable situations: Tracks without obvious markings or events of 20K and above.
Selection criteria:
●High-precision GPS positioning, support for offline map function.
●Long-lasting battery, suitable for ultra-long distance events.
●Waterproof and dustproof design, adapt to extreme environments.
Sun protection clothing & running clothing (UPF 50+)
Selection criteria:
●Tops: It is recommended to wear long-sleeved sun protection clothing (UPF 50+), which is light and breathable, can effectively reduce the skin exposure area and reduce the risk of sunburn.
●Bottoms: Shorts + sun protection sleeves can be worn for short distances (≤20K), and light and thin trousers are recommended for long distances (≥50K) to prevent wind and sand from burning the skin.
●Perspiration and breathability: Clothing materials should have good moisture absorption and perspiration function, such as polyester fiber or lightweight wool, to avoid cotton materials from causing stuffiness due to sweat absorption.
●Loose cut: Avoid overly tight clothing to reduce skin friction, reduce heat accumulation, and improve comfort.
Trail running shoes (sand-proof & high grip)
Selection criteria:
●Sand-proof design: Shoes should have a closed mesh structure to prevent sand from entering the shoes and reduce foot friction and discomfort.
●High grip: The sole should have deep patterns and wear-resistant rubber material to adapt to soft sand and gravel terrain.
●Good shock absorption: When running on sand, the ground feedback is weak. Shoes with good shock absorption performance can reduce leg fatigue and improve running efficiency.
●Strong stability: The shoe last should be moderate, which can wrap the feet to prevent sliding, but not too tight to affect blood circulation.
●Breathable and quick-drying: The upper material needs to be breathable and quick-drying to reduce the dampness during long-term running and avoid blisters on the feet.
Hat & headscarf (sun protection & wind and sand protection)
Selection criteria:
●Wide-brimmed hat: The brim of the hat should be at least 8cm, which can block strong sunlight and reduce exposure to the head and face.
●Protective neck cloth: Some desert events recommend choosing a hat with a neck cloth to cover the neck and prevent sunburn.
●Magic headscarf (Buff): It can be used for multiple purposes to protect the mouth and nose from the influence of wind and sand, and can also be used as a sweat towel.
●Quick-drying and breathable: The hat material must have good perspiration and breathability to prevent overheating of the head.
Sunglasses (UV400 & polarized)
Selection criteria:
●UV 400 protection: The lens must block 100% of ultraviolet rays to prevent eye damage.
●Polarized function: Reduce strong reflections from the ground and improve the clarity of vision.
●Impact-resistant lenses: High durability, not easy to break, suitable for the harsh environment of trail running.
●Wrap-around design: Prevent wind and sand from entering the eyes and improve the protection effect.
Windbreaker (night & low temperature protection)
Selection criteria:
●Lightweight and compressible: It is recommended to choose a windbreaker that weighs no more than 150g and can be folded to the size of the palm for easy storage.
●Breathable and waterproof: It has a good windproof effect and a vent design to avoid overheating during running.
●Night reflective design: Some competitions may be held at night, and the windbreaker should have reflective strips to improve the safety of night running.
Sand-proof Gaiters
Selection criteria:
●Full-coverage design: should be able to completely cover the upper and ankle to prevent sand from entering the shoe.
●Lightweight and durable: the material should be thin and light, but wear-resistant and suitable for long-term use.
●Fixed and stable: with strong Velcro or zipper to ensure that it will not loosen during intense exercise.
Sunscreen & Lipstick (Sunscreen & Anti-Cracking)
Selection criteria:
●SPF 50+ sunscreen, long-term sweat protection.
●Contains SPF sunscreen lipstick to prevent chapped lips.

Emergency Blanket
The temperature difference in the desert at night is very large, and the lowest temperature may drop to below 0°C. Emergency blankets can reduce heat loss and avoid hypothermia. Emergency blankets are usually highly reflective and can be used to attract the attention of search and rescue personnel in emergency situations. It can be used as a sunscreen during the day to reduce direct sunlight exposure and improve comfort. It can be used to transport the injured or wrap the injured to provide emergency protection.
Selection criteria
●Material:
○Mostly made of Mylar (polyester film) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), it has good waterproof, windproof and heat-insulating properties.
○Optional multi-layer design (such as aluminum foil + nylon) to improve durability and versatility.
●Weight:
○Lightweight (50g-100g) is suitable for short distances or lightweight equipment needs.
○Reinforced (100g-200g) is suitable for long distances or extreme weather environments, with better heat preservation.
●Size:
○The unfolded size is generally around 1.4m x 2m, enough to wrap the whole body.
○Can be folded to the size of the palm, easy to store in the vest pack.
●Color:
○Silver: The inner layer can keep warm when facing inward, and the outer layer can reflect heat when facing outward, suitable for low temperature environments.
○Gold: It can enhance sunlight absorption and is suitable for cold conditions.
○Orange/highlight color: Used for rescue and can improve visibility.

In desert terrain trail running, many runners have achieved outstanding results through adequate preparation and precise strategies. Their success is not only due to their tenacious will, but also to their careful preparation in equipment, supplies and training:
Jamil Coury (USA) - Havasu Desert 100K
Jamil Coury is a famous American trail runner who has won many outstanding results in desert terrain events, one of which is the good results in the Havasu Desert 100K.
Successful preparation elements:
● Training: Jamil trained in simulated desert environment before the race to adapt to high temperature and sand running. He focused on improving his heat tolerance in the desert environment and conducted long-term heat exposure training.
● Supply strategy: He focused on the intake of electrolytes and water, supplemented with energy gels and high-sugar energy drinks to avoid physical overdraft and dehydration during the race.
●Gear selection: Jamil uses a lightweight trail running vest pack that can easily carry sufficient water and supplies, and also uses sun protection equipment (such as long-sleeved clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen) to avoid the damage of the desert sun.
Cameron Clayton (USA) - Desert Ultra Marathon
Cameron Clayton is a trail runner who has participated in desert events many times. He performed well in the Desert Ultra Marathon, successfully completed the race and achieved good results in the top few.
Successful preparation elements:
●Desert adaptation training: In order to adapt to the desert terrain, Cameron specially trained in a similar desert environment to simulate competition conditions, including running, temperature adaptation and ground reaction training.
●Supply and physical management: He insists on using an efficient supply strategy, including regular replenishment of electrolytes, energy bars and juice to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
●Efficient equipment: Cameron focused on the versatility and comfort of the equipment, and chose ultra-light running shoes and vest packs suitable for desert running. He also chose anti-sand equipment to protect himself from sand and dust according to the characteristics of the desert terrain.
Kilian Jornet (Spain) - Desert Challenge
Kilian Jornet is one of the world's top trail runners. He has participated in many desert events, including Desert Challenge, and achieved remarkable results.
Successful preparation elements:
●Environmental adaptation training: Kilian specifically chose a dry and hot plateau environment for training before the competition to adapt to high temperatures and low humidity. Through high-intensity heat adaptation training, he was able to maintain a high competitive state under desert conditions.
●Supply and water management: Water evaporates quickly in the desert environment. Kilian focused on continuous water replenishment during the competition, using lightweight soft flask and energy gels to continuously replenish physical strength and prevent dehydration.
●Psychological adjustment: Kilian's strong psychological quality enables him to stay focused in the desert environment, not only to cope with physical challenges, but also to manage fatigue and confusion during the competition, which is particularly important for desert trail races.
Nadia Gil (USA) - Desert 100 Mile
Nadia Gil is an American female trail runner who performed well in the Desert 100 Mile and won the first place in the women's group.
Successful preparation elements:
●Customized training plan: Nadia developed a detailed training plan before the race. Combined with the characteristics of the desert environment, she focused on improving high temperature training, tried to train in an environment with higher daytime temperatures, and gradually adapted to the hot conditions in the desert.
●Supply strategy: She regularly replenished electrolyte drinks and energy blocks to prevent physical decline. Pay special attention to water supply, and strictly implement the predetermined water intake at each supply station in the race.
●Equipment selection: In order to cope with the wind and sand and strong ultraviolet rays in the desert, Nadia is equipped with highly protective clothing, sunglasses and sand-proof headscarf. In addition, she chose waterproof and wear-resistant shoes to avoid sand and dust entering the shoes and causing discomfort.
Rachid El Morabity (Morocco) - Marathon des Sables
Rachid El Morabity is a famous trail runner in Morocco. He has won the men's championship in the Marathon des Sables many times.
Successful preparation elements:
●Desert survival training: Rachid improves his endurance in sand and extreme heat through long-term desert training. He sometimes runs for a long time in the desert to simulate the physical consumption and water loss during the competition.
●Supply management: He carefully prepared sufficient dry food and energy gels, and replenished them at fixed intervals during the competition to avoid excessive physical consumption. He rationally planned the use of energy and water between supply stations.
●Equipment suitable for the desert: Rachid chose the best equipment for the desert environment, including lightweight running shoes, sand-proof trousers and masks. Especially the shoes, which have strong sand resistance, help him run faster on the sand and avoid the discomfort caused by sand entering the shoes.

In the extreme natural environment of the desert, everything from the choice of equipment to the replenishment of water and even whether the emergency preparation is sufficient may determine the success or failure of the competition. Whether it is a runner who challenges desert trail for the first time or an experienced veteran, adequate preparation can help us move forward steadily in the challenge, overcome various difficulties and finally achieve our goals.
Remember, desert trail running is not only an extreme challenge to the body, but also a test of psychology, wisdom and survival ability. In future competitions, we must constantly improve our abilities, train scientifically, replenish reasonably, and be fully prepared to stand out in this beautiful and harsh desert and create our own success story.

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