Saguaro Showdown
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Event details
The Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra style run and ruck event at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ. There are separate competitions for runners and ruckers. Race swag includes an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment related to DNFs. The event awards a prize to the winner in each division.
Distances:
- 4.1667 miles per lap for runners
- 2.3 miles per lap for ruckers
Races start on the hour and repeat every hour. In the evening the races move to an out-and-back road course and they return to the trail loop the next morning.
Format and rules
The event follows a last-person-standing format. Each lap must be completed within one hour. Participants must be at the start corral when the next lap begins; late starts are not allowed once the bell rings. When the bell rings, participants must remain on course and may not visit crew, tents, vehicles, or receive outside aid, except to use portable toilets. Portable toilets are located just after the start line.
Crews are allowed but not required. Participants provide their own aid. A small area next to the start and finish is available for chairs, coolers, and small gear, and overnight setup is permitted. Any participant who does not continue must vacate the start/finish area.
Backyard 24 and ruck rules
The Backyard 24 ties everyone who reaches 24 hours for first place; a sole participant may continue to complete 24 hours. Ruck core weight requirements are 30 pounds for participants over 150 pounds and 20 pounds for participants under 150 pounds. There is no gender-based weight variance. Fundraising may be used in place of the registration fee if minimum targets are met. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
