Pondering 6 day, 148 mile run
Hi team,
This morning in UltraRunning magazine I read a race report for the Desert RATS (Race Across The Sand) stage race...and I can't stop thinking about it.
Six days: 20miles, 39, 9, 52 (23 hour + rest day), and finish with a marathon.
Average daily temp: mid 90s.
General format: Wake up, run, sleep in a 5-7 person race tent. Repeat...
Oh, and while they graciously schlep your gear for you between stages...you only get to bring 3000 cu in (a medium sized duffel) for the week!
It's in mid June, so it's either this or Western States. My thought is to apply for WS (again), and if I get in I go. But if I don't, then I think I might sneak off to Utah.
Anybody done this race before or been on Kokopelli’s Trail?
Mike
"Island of Misfit Toys" Charter Member
Comments
Uh, States first then this.
This sounds very, very cool. Kind of a Marathon de Sables of the west.
I had never heard of this before. lemme know what you find out.
I have nothing to add other than to say "You're insane." ;-P
Good luck!
One diff between RATS and Marathon DES Sables is that in MdS the runners have to carry all their own gear and nutrition (water and shelter are provided). Take a look at their preferred setup: guy wih pack.
Mike
Believe me, I know all about MdS! I "pondered" do it myself and had a buddy committed to doing it with me but got the emphatic "NO!" from my wife. For some reason, running 150 miles across the Sahara Desert over 5 days was an objectionable activity to her.
I think the training alone would have been an adventure. And a fun one!
Now back to your original question. Anyone?