Saguaro Showdown
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Saguaro Showdown at Usery Mountain Regional Park
Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra style event held in Mesa, Arizona at Usery Mountain Regional Park. The event runs separate running and rucking competitions that use repeating loop laps; only one runner and one rucker are declared the individual winners by being the last person to complete a loop. Participants must choose to enter either the run race or the ruck race, not both.
The event format follows the backyard ultra concept: participants complete a set loop each hour and must be present in the start corral when the next loop begins. Once the bell signals a new loop, participants may not receive aid from others or visit crew areas until they finish the loop; leaving the course is permitted only to use the portable toilets. DNF participants must vacate the start/finish area but are encouraged to stay and support remaining competitors. A small area beside the start/finish is available for a chair, cooler, and small personal gear, and overnight camping is permitted.
Distances:
- 4.1667 miles trail loop for runners
- 2.3 miles trail loop for ruckers
Additional notes: participants receive an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment item. The event awards a prize to the winner. The Backyard 24 option ties all participants who complete 24 hours for first place; a sole runner who remains may continue to complete 24 hours. Ruckers must meet core weight requirements: core weight excludes food and water; competitors over 150 pounds carry a 30 pound core, those under 150 pounds carry a 20 pound core. Crews are permitted but self-sufficient aid is expected. Fundraising may be used in place of the registration fee if a participant raises at least $125; the event has an overall fundraising goal of $3,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
