Race Schedule and Distance
The 2026 Moab 240 ultramarathon is scheduled to run from Friday, October 9, through Tuesday, October 13, 2026, covering 241.8 miles of desert, canyon, and mountain terrain. The sold-out event, organized by Destination Trail, will take participants through the landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Park, featuring a course with over 31,000 feet of elevation gain.
Logistics and Aid Stations
The ultramarathon begins with a 6:00 a.m. start time, a change from previous years, according to course preview details from Destination Trail. The race features 15 full aid stations, which include five designated sleep stations. Additionally, the course includes one manned water-only station to support runners through the extreme conditions.
Updated Water and Gear Rules
New logistical requirements have been implemented for the 2026 race to manage runner safety. According to a course preview by Destination Trail, there is now a 3-liter minimum water carry requirement out of Base Camp. Furthermore, runners face a 1-liter maximum top-off limit at the Lockhart water stop. Drop bags will be available for participants at both Base Camp and the Oasis.
Course Terrain and Landmarks
The race course spans a diverse range of environments, including the desert of Lockhart Basin and the mountain ranges of the Abajos and the La Sals. Runners will navigate through various landmarks such as Shea Mountain, Monticello Lake, and the Indian Creek Corridor. The route also includes a new construction detour in the final section, where runners will descend through Sand Flats and the Falcon Flow trail before finishing in downtown Moab.
Geography and Land Management
The terrain poses significant physical challenges, with the course encompassing 31,696 feet of elevation gain and 31,892 feet of elevation loss. While the race is held on National Forest Lands, the surrounding area is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management Monticello Field Office, which administers 1.8 million surface acres including the San Juan River and Cedar Mesa. The BLM office manages various recreational uses in the region, including camping and hiking, and emphasizes the importance of Leave No Trace principles.
Organizational Leadership
Destination Trail has been organizing endurance events for over a decade, with a focus on non-repetitive, singletrack-heavy courses. The organization's leadership includes founder Candice Burt and Race Director Garrett Froelich. The medical team is overseen by Medical Director and Volunteer Coordinator Brian Wilford, a Battalion Chief who has extensive experience in emergency medical services and has assisted in remote helicopter rescues during previous races.
Future Race Information
The 2026 event is currently listed as sold out on the Destination Trail website. For those unable to register for the 2026 race, the organization is accepting participants for a waitlist. Looking ahead to 2027, the lottery for the next iteration of the Moab 240 is scheduled to open on January 5, 2027, at 8:00 a.m. MST, with the drawing taking place on January 26, 2027.
Event Significance
The Moab 240 remains a significant event for the ultra-running community, traversing remote landscapes and requiring meticulous planning. The 2026 edition's specific route changes and water carry mandates reflect the organization's ongoing efforts to manage the complexities of a 240-mile race through the Utah desert.
