Saguaro Showdown
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Event overview
Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ. The event runs two separate categories: a running race and a rucking race. Each participant may enter only one category. The format is last-person-standing: the event continues until a single runner and a single rucker complete a final loop alone. Overnight presence at the start/finish area is permitted and there is space for a chair, cooler, and small personal gear next to the line. Portable toilets are located just after the start line.
Course, format and rules
- Run laps: 4.1667 miles
- Ruck laps: 2.3 miles
Races use a repeating loop format with a fixed time to complete each lap; a new loop starts regularly and participants must be standing in the start corral when the next loop begins. No late starts are allowed after the start signal; the start sequence uses whistles and a bell. Once the bell rings, participants must stay on course and may not receive aid from others until they finish that lap; leaving the course is allowed only to use the portable toilets. Crews are permitted but runners must provide their own aid. At night the race moves to an out-and-back road course and then returns to the trail loop the next morning.
The Backyard 24 option ties everyone who reaches 24 hours for first place; if only one runner reaches 24 hours, that runner may complete the full period. Ruck core weight requirements: over 150 lb = 30 lb, under 150 lb = 20 lb. Fundraising may substitute for the registration fee if a specified minimum is raised. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.