Running To Desert?!

how is this possible? does it mean running to sanctum, then running mission?

Yep, exactly what you said. Sanctum Cay can be run in around 10 minutes or so.

yeah... seeing as it's the only way to get to the Crystal Desert

Yeah, running to Sanctum then running the entire mission..
You can also run Riverside to get there.

Or you can do something real unique, not get run, and actually work your way there..just a thought

you can run without any missions from Ascalon -> Yaks Bend ->Beacons Perch (through the north) -> Lions Arch -> Fishermans Haven -> Sanctum Cay

lvl 14 and all locations in dessert on my map without any missions besides Sanctum XD

doing all missions + bouns = 3 months(lazy/boring)

doing run from Ascalon to droks = 2 days(needed sleep)

But really after doing every mission all the bonuses and most of the quests on my nec it's really really really really boring for my other 3. I mean you can get ascended in one day with some organized friends.