Sarlacc Attack 50K 2026

Sarlacc Attack 50K 2026

Presented by Gemini Adventures
Mountain Biking
Fruita, CO
May 9–10, 2026
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About This Event

The Sarlacc Attack 50K stands out as part of Adventure Fest, a multi-sport weekend that transforms Fruita into a celebration of desert racing. Produced by Gemini Adventures, this early-season mountain bike race serves as a stamina test that gives riders reason to train through winter, hitting the trails during opening week of the season.

The 50K course lives up to its “Ride the Edge” motto, combining The Edge, Cicada, and Sarlacc trails into a challenging loop that pushes riders along cliff edges and personal limits. Expect world-class singletrack punctuated by uphill grinds and flowing descents, with the Sarlacc trail section delivering some of the most enjoyable riding on the course. The desert terrain features relentless short climbs and descents plus one significant mesa ascent that tests early-season fitness. Three strategically placed aid stations support riders through the 8-hour cutoff window.

The race adds personality with its finish-time awards: complete the course in under 3.5 hours before noon for a “Bruncher” award, or finish after noon within the cutoff for a “Luncher” award. A shorter 22K option covers 13.8 miles on the Chutes and Ladders, Frontside, and Western Zippity trails, offering nearly 1,000 feet of climbing through flowing terrain ideal for beginners or those chasing speed.

The post-race atmosphere captures Adventure Fest’s community spirit with an après party featuring live folk-rock music from the Troy Douglas Band, free Upslope beer, and award ceremonies at Colorado Backcountry Biker. Winners receive entry to next year’s race, while all finishers earn customized awards and the top three in each category take home distinctive cowbell trophies.


Gemini Adventures

Event Organizer
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Founded in 2003 by a group of passionate runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts, Gemini Adventures has become a premier producer of endurance events in the American Southwest. The company is renowned in Colorado for organizing challenging backcountry races that blend intense physical demands with breathtaking natural scenery. Gemini Adventures specializes in events that take participants through remote, rugged landscapes, primarily across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Key Events

  1. Desert RATS Trail Running Festival
    • One of the flagship events, this festival is part of the prestigious UTMB World Series. It features various distances, including a grueling 100k that takes runners through the dramatic desert terrain around Fruita, Colorado. Participants face significant elevation gains and must navigate technical trails that showcase the stunning beauty of the high desert, including mesas and cliff edges.
  2. Adventure Fest
    • Held in Fruita, Colorado, Adventure Fest is a multi-sport extravaganza that combines mountain biking, gravel racing, and trail running over a single weekend. Events like the Sarlacc Attack 50K MTB, Fruita Trail Half Marathon, and Dirty Edge Gravel 50K are part of this festival, attracting outdoor athletes from across the country. The festivity celebrates not only competition but also the vibrant outdoor culture of Fruita, offering participants and spectators alike a full immersion into the world of endurance sports.
  3. Rexy Co2uT
    • Known as the “Queen of the Desert,” this unique gravel race spans the challenging terrain from Colorado to Utah, connecting the iconic cycling towns of Fruita and Moab. The event is designed for the hardcore gravel enthusiast, featuring long stretches of technical riding, substantial elevation gains, and awe-inspiring desert vistas.
  4. Enchanted Forest Trail Races
    • Set in Red River, New Mexico, this event offers a variety of trail races, including a marathon and a half marathon. The course takes runners through the picturesque Enchanted Forest, known for its lush landscapes and challenging elevation changes, making it one of the top trail running events in the Southwest.

Gemini Adventures is dedicated to creating experiences that push participants beyond their limits while providing them with the support necessary to tackle such demanding courses. Each event is not only a race but a journey through some of the most stunning and remote areas in the United States, making Gemini Adventures a favorite among endurance athletes seeking both competition and adventure.

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