Full Breakdown
Moab 240 Ultramarathon Halted Amid Flooding from Tropical Storm Rachel Remnants
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Overview
Around 70 runners and volunteers were stranded at the Bridger Jack aid station after heavy rain caused Cottonwood Creek to flood and wash out access roads. Local sheriff’s deputies, emergency responders, and race organizers coordinated shuttles and buses that evacuated all participants on Sunday. The 241.8-mile race through Canyonlands and Arches National Parks was called off because of dangerous wind, rain, freezing temperatures and falling trees.
Background & Context
The Moab 240, organized by Destination Trail, challenges competitors to finish within 112 hours. Weather has forced course changes before, notably a snow-related reroute in 2018. In early October 2026, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel moved northeast from Baja California, bringing intense moisture to southern Utah. The National Weather Service issued flash-flood warnings for several counties and a wind advisory for northern Utah valleys.
Timeline
- Saturday night – A storm floods Cottonwood Creek near Bridger Jack, making the creek “unsafe to cross.” Runners and volunteers remain at the aid station.
- Early Sunday – Destination Trail posts on Facebook that participants have heated tents, hot food and water, but road conditions are unreliable.
- Mid-morning Sunday – An ATV shuttle and school bus, coordinated with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, begin transporting participants back to race headquarters in Moab.
- By 1 p.m. Sunday – The last group is evacuated; the race is formally canceled.
Data & Statistics
- Participants affected: ~70 runners and volunteers.
- Course length: 241.8 mi; competitors have up to 112 hours to finish.
- Wind: 51 mph gust at Monticello Airport and 45 mph gust near Canyonlands Field (NWS).
- Rainfall forecast: 1–3 inches of rain across much of Utah through the week, with higher totals in mountainous areas.
- Flood risk: Burn-scar areas and slot canyons are high-risk zones for rapid runoff.
Official Statements & Responses
- “We know this isn’t how anyone hoped Moab 240 would go,” — Destination Trail
Impact & Outlook
The cancellation highlights the risk of extreme weather in remote endurance events. Organizers emphasized that safety overrides competition, and participants praised the rapid response that prevented injuries. Forecasts indicate continued heavy rain and strong winds through Monday, with flash-flood concerns persisting in burn-scar regions. Race officials have not announced a rescheduled date, but the incident may prompt revisions to emergency-response protocols for high-altitude ultramarathons in the American Southwest.