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Heavy Rain Forces Evacuation of Moab 240 Ultramarathon in Utah
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Storm Forces Evacuation of Moab 240 Ultramarathon
On a Sunday in early October 2026, a heavy rainstorm linked to the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel flooded roads in San Juan County, Utah. Runners and volunteers participating in the Moab 240 ultramarathon became stranded overnight at an aid station near Bridger Jack. By early Sunday afternoon, buses coordinated with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office removed all participants and staff from the site and returned them to race headquarters in Moab.
Race Overview and Weather Context
The Moab 240 is a 241.8-mile endurance event that traverses Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, desert canyons, slick-rock formations, and two mountain ranges. The race began on Friday and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday. The storm that struck the area was fueled by the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, which had made landfall in Baja California and produced heavy rain across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
Official Statements & Responses
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it worked with race officials to coordinate the evacuation and praised the cooperation of emergency responders. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for most of Utah, remaining in effect through Monday afternoon.
Key Figures & Statistics
- Approximately 70 runners and volunteers were stranded.
- The stranded group was located about 96 miles along the 240-mile course, near Bridger Jack.
- Evacuation buses began arriving around 11 a.m.; the Sheriff’s Office reported that all participants were safely evacuated by 12:45 p.m. Sunday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know this isn't how anyone hoped Moab 240 would go,” — Destination Trail