The grueling desert loop that defined a new era of ultrarunning

Countries & Cities · Published 16 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2017, a woman finished an ultramarathon so decisively she beat every male competitor by over ten hours. This feat transformed the Moab 240 from a niche endurance test into a global phenomenon, creating a blueprint for modern long-distance racing across desert and mountain terrain.

Founded by Candice Burt of Destination Trail in October 2017, the Moab 240 was created to honor ultrarunner Stephen Jones, who died in a skiing accident in 2016 after envisioning a 200-mile race around Moab. The event is now a cornerstone of the 'Triple Crown of 200s,' alongside the Tahoe 200 and Bigfoot 200. This high-desert trial challenges participants across Colorado Plateau formations, encompassing mesa landscapes, slick rock, canyon areas, and two mountain chains adjacent to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

The race gained international notoriety during its inaugural edition when Courtney Dauwalter won the outright victory in 57 hours, 55 minutes, and 13 seconds. Her performance was so dominant it sparked widespread media coverage on platforms like The Joe Rogan Experience and in publications such as Runner's World. Since then, the race has evolved technically; while early versions were roughly 238 miles, the modern course is a 241.8-mile loop with approximately 31,892 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Despite its prestige, the event faces extreme environmental risks. In October 2026, the race was called off for the first time in its history just 48 hours into the event due to floodwaters that stranded 70 runners and volunteers. The course remains a complex mix of trails, four-wheel drive roads, gravel paths, and short paved sections, requiring athletes to balance sleep deprivation with intense logistical coordination across nearly 242 miles of wilderness.

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