As part of our continuing 25th Anniversary celebration the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) reveals, “desert,” the third of three seasonal / regional special edition logos. While the purple “Ridgeline” logo will anchor our new brand identity going forward, these special logo editions reflect the diversity within the American trail running community.
Just like the changing seasons alter how we practice our sport throughout the year, trail running environments look different in different parts of the United States. From our home in Colorado Springs we can run trails into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, to heights over 14,000′ and with epic vistas spanning miles in every direction.
Travel South and West from Colorado Springs and a runner can find unique trails along our many arid, desert environments from the canyons of Moab, Utah to the basins of Nevada and from Eastern Oregon’s high desert to the Sonoran desert of Arizona.
Here you will find desert trail running.
To celebrate desert trail running we’re introducing a special logo edition featuring burnt orange mesas with a setting sun capped by a light blue sky. Dropping below the horizon, a setting orange sun reminds us of the coming winter and a time for rest and regeneration.
ATRA founder and executive director Nancy Hobbs wrote, “As a jigsaw puzzle aficionado, there’s always a moment of celebration after laying the final piece to complete a design. Likewise, it’s time to celebrate as the final seasonal / regional logo in ATRA’s rebranding effort is unveiled.”
Our new branding and logos were created by Boulder, Colorado-based Derek Friday. Previous seasonal / regional logos launched earlier this year included Coastal and Forest. In celebration of diversity and our LGBTQ trail running community, we also created a special edition “Pride” logo.
About our new branding Derek wrote: “Developing the branding for ATRA has been one of my favorite projects over the past few years. And as a designer and endurance athlete, I feel a deep connection to all elements of the ATRA brand. As a team, we collaboratively decided to develop a brand family that is inclusive to all types of runners and locations in which they enjoy our sport. The seasonal / regional logo variations contain elements of the parent branding mark, while differentiating themselves with form and color to represent the beautiful trails of the United States.”
Some iconic trail running races taking place in American desert locations include:
Moab Trail Marathon – Moab, Utah. Founded in 2008 by former US Mountain Running Team member Danelle Ballengee and host to eight USATF Trail Running National Championships. Last race was November 6, 2021.
Black Canyon 100K – Mayer, Arizona. Organized by American Trail Running Association member Aravaipa Running since 2014, this race is a Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run golden ticket qualifier. Next race is February 12, 2022.
Smith Rock Ascent – Terrebonne, Oregon. Organized by Go Beyond Racing since 2013, this Central Oregon classic features epic views of the high desert East of the volcanic Cascade Mountain range. Events include a 50K, 15 mile and 4 mile. Next race is May 14-15, 2022.