Black Canyon Ultras
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Black Canyon Ultras : Spring Valley to New River, AZ
The Black Canyon Ultras are point-to-point trail races on the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail in Arizona, offered over two distances:
- 100K (62.2 miles) point-to-point section of the Black Canyon Trail
- 50K (32.2 miles) point-to-point section of the Black Canyon Trail
The courses use a mix of singletrack, jeep roads, and segments of an old stagecoach route. The route crosses Black Canyon and the Agua Fria river multiple times and includes several gates and county road crossings. The 100K covers about 55 miles of the BCT, with total estimated elevation change of +5,219 ft gain and -7,337 ft loss and a 20 hour time limit. The 50K has +2,004 ft gain and -4,005 ft loss with an 11 hour time limit.
Aid is provided at spaced stations along each course. The 100K has nine aid stations roughly 4.5–9 miles apart and allows drop bags at four locations; the 50K has six aid stations and permits drop bags at the finish. Aid stations offer water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane and gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, and a mix of sweet and savory food including vegan and gluten-free options. Crews and pacers are allowed at specified aid stations for the 100K only; pacers must be on foot and follow race rules. The event is cupless so runners must carry their own drinking vessel. The 100K is a Western States 100 qualifier and the race is part of the World Trail Majors series. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
