Saguaro Showdown
Mesa, United States • 24 Jan 2026
Event details
Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra-style run and ruck event at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ. There are separate running and rucking races; participants may enter only one. Race swag includes an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment for DNFs. The event winner receives an award. Registration closes on Jan 10.
Distances:
- 4.1667 miles loop per lap for runners
- 2.3 miles loop per lap for ruckers
Format and rules
Races follow the backyard ultra last-person-standing format. A new lap begins every hour on the hour and each participant has exactly one hour to complete the loop. Participants must be in the start corral when the next lap begins; late starts are not allowed. Starts are signaled by whistles, an RD countdown, and a bell.
Once the bell rings, participants must stay on course and may not receive aid or visit crew, tents, or vehicles until the lap ends. The only permitted reason to leave the course during a lap is to use the portable toilets. Runners must provide their own aid; crews are permitted to assist outside lap time. Overnight setup space is available near the start and finish. Any participant who DNFs must vacate the start/finish area but may remain nearby to watch and support others.
Nighttime laps move to an out-and-back road course and return to the trail loop the following morning.
Ruck core weight requirements: over 150 pounds = 30 pounds; under 150 pounds = 20 pounds. Core weight excludes water, food, and other equipment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.