Saguaro Showdown

Saguaro Showdown - January 23, 2027

Location: Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa, AZ

Start Time: 8:00 AM and every hour thereafter.

Race Swag: Event T-shirt and another acknowledgment of your most likely DNF. Event winner will receive a super-cool award.

Race Details & Rules: The Saguaro Showdown is a last person standing race, following the backyard ultra format. There is a running race and a rucking race, and participants can only choose one. Loops are 4.1667 miles for runners and 2.3 miles for ruckers. Each loop must be completed within one hour. Races start on the hour, every hour. Runners and Ruckers must be in the start line corral when the next race begins. The race continues until only one runner or rucker remains, who must then complete a final loop to win. All others are considered Did Not Finish (DNF).

Course Changes: At 8:00 PM on Saturday, races move to an out-and-back course on the road. At 8:00 AM Sunday, races return to the trail loop.

Aid & Crew: Runners must provide their own aid. Crews are permitted and can set up small personal gear near the start/finish line. Overnight is permitted.

Backyard 24 Special Rules: If no single runner completes the run after 24 hours, everyone who reaches 24 hours is tied for first. This format allows participants to experience the backyard ultra without the pressure of a full race.

Ruck Requirements: Core weight is defined as the total weight of your ruck and the weight used to achieve minimum requirements (excluding water/food). If body weight > 150 lbs, core weight is 30 lbs. If body weight < 150 lbs, core weight is 20 lbs.

Fundraising Option: Participants can opt to fundraise instead of paying the registration fee. Raising over $125 minimum grants free entry. The overall fundraising goal is $3000.00.

Registration Closes: Friday, January 8, 2027 @ 11:59 PM MT.