It wasn’t until I started hearing about the unbelievable exploits of Courtney Dauwalter that I first learned about the existence of the Moab 240. I have to admit that it never crossed my mind that a 240-mile ultra-trail race could exist.
The Moab 240 is a 240-mile ultra-trail race that is run each October since 2017 in the Moab desert of Utah, USA. The cut-off time is 112 hours which equates to 28 minutes per mile. Runners are permitted to sleep at aid stations but the clock does not stop.
Let’s examine what makes the Moab 240 so special in the world of ultra-trail running.
What Is The Moab 240?
The Moab 240, formally known as the Moab 240 Endurance Run, is a 240-mile ultra trail marathon that will test runners’ endurance, fitness, strength, and mentality. The Moab 240 Committee even stated on their official website that 240 is the new 100, accompanied with the hashtag #SEEYOUINMOAB.
Among other ultra marathons, the Moab 240 is relatively new since it was only started in 2017. Since then, it is being held every October of each year in Moab, Utah. During the race, qualified runners from all over the world will have to conquer the most beautiful yet demanding topography in Utah.
The Course Of The Moab 240
The course of the Moab 240 is a massive single loop that will begin and end in Moab, Utah. Runners will have to traverse the Colorado River then to the Canyons and the Abajo Mountains. After that, they will go to the La Sal Mountains and finish in Moab.
The distance of 240 miles will feature beautiful canyons, challenging deserts, and rugged mountains. The elevation gain will be 29,467 feet of ascent and descent.
The race starts on October 8, Friday and ends on October 12, Tuesday, with a cut-off time of 112 hours. Because of this time limit, runners should have an average speed of 2.1 miles per hour or 28 minutes per mile.
Participating In The Moab 240
The Moab 240 is open to only 250 participants each year. It is a solo race where the runner will have to move non-stop. After mile 55, the runner can have a pacer. In most locations of the race, there are pacers and crew allowed.
The registration opened last January 1 and the cost for each is $1350. In order for runners to qualify for the race, they must be able to have completed a trail race equivalent to eight hours.
Recent Winners
The first-ever winner of the Moab 240 was Courtney Dauwalter back in 2017. A year after, Piotr Hercog won the second ultra trail marathon.
In 2019, the winner of the Moab 240 Endurance Run was Michael McKnight. Then just last year, Michele Graglia won the world-renowned race.
COVID-19 Guidelines For Future Events
In order to keep all the people participating in the event safe from COVID-19, the Moab 240 Committee has imposed the following guidelines:
Face coverings are required in the following places:
- Moab public places
- Race headquarters
- Start and finish lines
- Aid stations
Temperature and medical checks are required for all participants.
All participants, family, and crew must maintain a six feet distance from each other in order to prevent possible transmission.
Participants must communicate with each other to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing while or if ever they will be interacting on the trail.
Participants must always sanitize their hands and wear face coverings when accessing or using aid stations.
Participants must follow all protocols in the aid and sleep stations.
Participants must bring their own face coverings, chairs, blankets, and other necessary equipment and supplies since there will be a limited supply of such during the event.
