Saguaro Showdown

Saguaro Showdown : Mesa, AZ

Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona. The event hosts separate running and rucking competitions on a repeated loop format in which participants must complete each loop within a set time limit; another loop begins immediately after each completion window. The overall format is last person standing: a single runner and a single rucker remain as winners when they complete the final required loop and all other participants have stopped.

There are two distinct course lengths:

• 4.1667 mile loop for runners
• 2.3 mile loop for ruckers

Participants may only enter one discipline. Runners and ruckers must be present in the start corral when the next loop period begins; late starts are not allowed once the start signal is given. Once a loop period begins, participants may not receive external aid or leave the course except to use portable toilets. Crews are permitted but are not required; runners must provide their own aid supplies. A small area next to the start/finish line is available for a chair, cooler, and small personal gear, and overnight setup is permitted.

Any participant who does not continue must vacate the start/finish area immediately but are encouraged to observe and support ongoing competitors. The event includes a Backyard 24 option where everyone who reaches 24 hours is tied for first unless a single participant finishes the full period alone. Ruck entrants must meet minimum core weight requirements based on body weight. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.