A gang running to desert (7)
I believe the answer is:
abandon
'desert' is the definition.
('abandon' can be a synonym of 'desert')
'a gang running' is the wordplay.
'gang' becomes 'band' (I've seen this before).
'running' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues).
'a'+'band'+'on'='ABANDON'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for abandon that I've seen before include "Desert; give up (action)" , "Czech city" , "Leave high and dry" , "Lack of inhibition; desert" , "Junk" .)