Black Canyon Ultras
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Black Canyon Ultras : event overview
Black Canyon Ultras takes place February 14-15, 2026 around Mayer, Arizona. The event features point-to-point trail races on the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail between Spring Valley (Mayer High School) and finish areas near New River and Black Canyon City. Distances offered are listed below. Registration for the event closes February 7, 2026. Entry limits are 1,200 runners for each distance.
Courses, aid and logistics
- 100K : 62.2 miles, time limit 20 hours, estimated +5,219 ft gain / -7,337 ft loss.
- 50K : 32.2 miles, time limit 11 hours, estimated +2,004 ft gain / -4,005 ft loss.
Both courses are point-to-point on mixed singletrack, jeep roads, and pieces of an old stagecoach route. The 100K includes an out-and-back at the Black Canyon City aid station and multiple creek crossings; both courses begin with three miles of paved and dirt roads before joining the Black Canyon Trail. The 100K has nine aid stations spaced about 4.5-9 miles; the 50K has six aid stations spaced about 4.5-8 miles. Drop bags are permitted at specified aid stations; crew access and pacer rules differ by distance (pacers allowed for the 100K starting at Deep Canyon Ranch; one pacer on foot at a time). The 100K is a Western States 100 qualifier requiring a sub-17-hour finish for lottery eligibility and awards Golden Ticket automatic entries to the top three men and top three women in the 100K. Parking and shuttle arrangements require runners to use designated lots and finish shuttles. Pricing ranges listed by the organizer: 100K $290–$340, 50K $180–$240. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.