All runners have been accounted for and safely brought off the course after severe weather forced organisers to cancel the remainder of the 2026 Moab 240.
Flooding, high winds and deteriorating conditions across multiple sections of the Utah ultramarathon prompted Destination Trail to end the event on Sunday 11 October.
Approximately 70 runners and volunteers had been temporarily isolated at Bridger Jack aid station, while conditions elsewhere on the course included reports of falling trees and aid station structures blowing away.
But the organisers’ latest update delivered the reassuring news that everyone racing had made it out safely.
“We have great news – all runners are accounted for and either back at Race HQ or in a vehicle on the way back,” they said.
“We’re glad to report everyone made it out safely despite the wild weather.”
Flooding forces runners to turn back
The initial disruption came when heavy rainfall caused Cottonwood Creek, a few miles beyond Bridger Jack aid station, to reach flood levels and become unsafe to cross.
Runners who reached the flooded section turned back to join those already sheltering at the station. With road conditions also deteriorating, crews were warned against attempting to drive there to collect runners.
Those at Bridger Jack remained overnight with shelter, heat, hot food and drinking water as staff monitored conditions and worked on a safe evacuation plan.
Destination Trail coordinated with local emergency responders to bring the group back to race headquarters, confirming in its official press release that all runners, volunteers and staff at Bridger Jack had been safely evacuated.
‘Safety will always come first’
The problems extended beyond the flooded crossing, with high winds and heavy rain affecting the La Sal Mountains and Geyser Pass area.
Announcing the cancellation, organisers said they had received reports of “aid station structures blowing away, trees falling down, wind, rain, freezing temps”, with conditions expected to worsen.
Runners were instructed to stop at their next aid station and shelter while collection by crews or shuttles was arranged.
“We know how much time, training, and heart every one of you has poured into this race, and this is not the ending any of us wanted,” Destination Trail said.
“But the safety of our runners, crews, and volunteers will always be our top priority, and we won’t risk anyone getting hurt.”
The organisers also thanked local emergency responders and agencies for their assistance, alongside runners, crews, pacers and volunteers for their patience and cooperation.
Race leader describes ‘pure chaos’
Aaron Kubala offered a first-hand account of the conditions he encountered heading into the La Sal Mountains.
“Last night was rough heading into the La Sals. Back was locking up and possible hypothermia. Lots of trees falling down in the high winds. Pure chaos,” he wrote on Instagram.
In a separate Instagram story, Kubala shared a Strava activity recording 214.63 miles, 34,386ft of elevation gain and a time of 56 hours and 17 minutes.
His caption read: “In the lead when the race got cancelled due to severe weather.”
An earlier update from the organisers had placed Ashley Paulson second overall and leading the women’s race.
Ultimately, the focus shifted from the battle at the front to bringing everyone safely off a course where conditions had become too dangerous to continue.
