Black Canyon Ultras

Event overview

The Black Canyon Ultras take place February 14-15, 2026 in the Mayer / New River area of Arizona. The event offers two point-to-point trail ultramarathon distances:

• 100K
• 50K

The 100K covers 62.2 miles on the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail and the 50K covers 32.2 miles. The 100K is a Western States 100 qualifier; runners must complete the full 100K under 17 hours to be eligible for the WSER lottery. The race uses Mayer High School in Spring Valley as the start location. The 100K finishes at Emery Henderson Trailhead near New River and the 50K finishes at Deep Canyon Ranch in Black Canyon City. Entry limits are 1,200 runners for each distance.

Course and logistics

Both courses follow non-motorized sections of the Black Canyon Trail and include single track, jeep roads, and segments of an old stagecoach route. The 100K covers about a 55-mile section of the historic trail and includes multiple river crossings of Black Canyon and the Agua Fria river. The 100K net profile is downhill early but includes most climbing and technical terrain in the final miles. Time limits and elevation stats: 100K time limit 20 hours, estimated +5,219 ft gain and -7,337 ft loss; 50K time limit 11 hours, estimated +2,004 ft gain and -4,005 ft loss.

Support, crewing and rules

Aid stations: nine for the 100K and six for the 50K, spaced roughly 4.5-9 miles, offering water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane and gels, and food options including snacks and hot items. Drop bags are allowed at specific aid stations for the 100K; crews have designated access points. Pacers are permitted only for the 100K beginning at Deep Canyon Ranch and must be human, wear a pacer bib, and follow race rules. The race is cupless; runners must carry their own drinking vessel. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.