Truth or Consequences Desert Ultra

Join us this autumn as we race through the unique and beautiful Chihuahuan Desert near the quirky, artsy, hot-spring town of Truth or Consequences.

Imagine crossing the Rio Grande on foot to run a combination of jeep roads and single track trails which meander up and down scenic arroyos that feature unique flora, passing by old mining sites, all while winding through the foothills of the Caballo Mountains.

The Desert Ultra races begin and end at the riverside at Rotary Park where you can enjoy live music, vendors, a beer garden, and delicious food provided by local restaurants. After celebrating your race, enjoy an after-run soak in one of our famous healing hot springs.

All runners cross the Rio Grande and follow a dirt road along the river for approximately 1.5 miles before turning left up a sandy/rocky arroyo to the Aid Station, an ascent of 500′.

Our 5 miler is a loop with one out and back leg. These runners check in at the Aid Station and then bomb 500′ straight back down to the finish line.

Half-marathoners will then embark on the Hidden Valley Loop, a remote 8-mile trek involving almost 1400′ of vertical on top of the 500′ completed. Red rocks, long views, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a Desert Bighorn out there. Total vertical: approximately 1900′

Our 50K trail runners continue past the Aid Station to a ridgeline with a commanding view of the entire valley, descend the Rollercoaster of short and steep hills to an arroyo, and then climb again to observe the old Blackjack Mine before descending a steep and rocky jeep trail to an old mining road. These runners will then hang right and begin another long ascent back to the aid station. After checking in they’ll commence three revolutions of the Hidden Valley loop before descending to the finish line. Total vertical: approximately 5,200′