Saguaro Showdown
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Event details
The Saguaro Showdown takes place at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ. It is a backyard ultra event with separate running and rucking races. Registration closes January 10. Race swag includes an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment for participants who do not finish. Overnight setup at the start/finish area is permitted. Portable toilets are located just after the start line.
Format and rules
The event follows the backyard ultra format: participants run or ruck a loop every hour and the race continues until only one runner and one rucker remain. Participants may only enter one discipline. Each loop must be completed within the allotted hour and participants must be standing in the start corral at the start of each loop to continue. No late starts are allowed once the start signal is given. After the start signal, participants may not receive outside aid or visit their crew or vehicle while on course, except to use the portable toilets. Runners who withdraw must immediately vacate the start/finish area to allow remaining competitors to move forward.
Distances
- 4.1667 miles per loop for runners
- 2.3 miles per loop for ruckers
Ruck requirements and Backyard 24
Core weight excludes food and water. Competitors over 150 pounds require a 30 lb core weight; those under 150 pounds require a 20 lb core weight. For the Backyard 24 option, everyone who completes 24 hours is tied for first; a sole remaining participant may continue to finish 24 hours. Fundraising can replace the registration fee if a minimum of $125 is raised; the event fundraising goal is $3,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
