Black Canyon Ultras
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Event overview
The Black Canyon Ultras take place February 14-15, 2026 in Mayer / Spring Valley and finish near New River and Black Canyon City, Arizona. The event offers two point-to-point trail races on the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. Distances:
- 100K (62.2 miles)
- 50K (32.2 miles)
Entry limits are 1,200 runners for each distance. Time limits are 20 hours for the 100K and 11 hours for the 50K. The 100K can serve as a Western States 100 qualifier; runners must meet the event’s qualifying requirement to be eligible for that lottery, and the top three men and top three women in the 100K can earn automatic Western States entry.
Course and logistics
Both courses start near Mayer High School and use a mix of singletrack, jeep roads, and sections of an old stagecoach route along the non-motorized Black Canyon Trail. Key 100K stats include roughly +5,219 ft elevation gain and -7,337 ft loss, with multiple river crossings and technical terrain concentrated in the later miles. The 50K shows about +2,004 ft gain and -4,005 ft loss.
Aid stations: nine for the 100K (spaced about 4.5-9 miles) and six for the 50K (4.5-8 miles). Drop bags for the 100K are allowed at Bumble Bee Ranch, Deep Canyon Ranch, Table Mesa, and the Emery Henderson finish; 50K drop bags are permitted at Deep Canyon (finish). Crewing is allowed at specified aid stations; pacers are permitted only for the 100K with rules on waiver and bibs. The event operates as a cupless race; runners must carry their own cup or bottle for cold drinks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.