Saguaro Showdown
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About the race
Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra-style event held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ and organized by Kaniksu Ultras. The event runs separate running and rucking competitions on a repeated loop course until a single runner and a single rucker remain.
The format uses hour-by-hour loops. Each loop must be completed within one hour and a new loop begins on the hour. Runners and ruckers must be present in the start corral when the next loop begins; late starts are not allowed. After the bell, participants may not leave the course for aid or to visit crew areas, except to use the portable toilets placed just after the start line. Crews are permitted but not required. Participants may set a small amount of personal gear next to the start and finish area, and overnight camping in that area is permitted.
Course details:
- 4.1667 mile loop for runners
- 2.3 mile loop for ruckers
At night the race shifts to an out-and-back road course and later returns to the trail loop. The event includes a Backyard 24 option where all participants who complete 24 hours are tied for first if no single runner finishes 24 hours. Race swag includes an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment. The event winner receives an award.
Ruckers must meet core weight requirements: core weight excludes water and food. Competitors over 150 pounds carry a 30 pound core; those under 150 pounds carry a 20 pound core. The organizer also offers an option to fundraise in lieu of paying the registration fee; raising more than the stated minimum can waive the entry fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
