Saguaro Showdown
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Saguaro Showdown : Mesa, AZ
Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra style run and ruck event held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona, organized by Kaniksu Ultras. The event uses a repeating loop format where the last person standing approach determines the winner in each category: one runner and one rucker.
There are two separate race categories and loop distances:
- Running loop: 4.1667 miles per lap
- Rucking loop: 2.3 miles per lap
Each participant must complete a lap within a set hour and be present in the start corral when the next loop begins to continue. No late starts are allowed once the start signal is given. After the start signal, participants may not leave the course for crew aid; the only permitted reason to leave is to use the portable toilets located just past the start line.
Runners must provide their own aid. Crews are permitted but not required and may come and go. A small area next to the start and finish is available for a chair, cooler, and other small personal gear; overnight setup is permitted. Any participant who does not finish must immediately vacate the start/finish area but is encouraged to stay and support remaining competitors.
Special rules apply for the Backyard 24 option: all participants who reach 24 hours are tied for first unless a sole participant completes the full 24 hours. Ruck entrants must meet core weight requirements: core weight is 30 pounds for people over 150 pounds and 20 pounds for those under 150; this core weight excludes consumables like food and water.
The event offers an event T-shirt and other participant recognition. Winners in each category receive an award. Fundraising may be used in lieu of paying the registration fee; entries become free for participants who raise over $125, and the event seeks an overall fundraising goal of $3,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
