Saguaro Showdown

Saguaro Showdown

Saguaro Showdown is a backyard ultra held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona. The event includes separate running and rucking races that use short trail loops repeated each hour. Each participant has exactly one hour to complete their loop; the event continues until only one runner and one rucker complete a final loop alone.

Course formats and distances:

• 4.1667 miles per loop for runners
• 2.3 miles per loop for ruckers

Participants must be standing in the start line corral when the next loop begins; late starts are not allowed. Once the bell rings, participants must remain on course and may not receive aid from anyone until the loop is completed, except for the use of portable toilets. Crews are permitted but not required; runners must provide their own aid. A small area next to the start and finish is available for a chair, cooler, and other small personal gear, and overnight stays at that area are permitted.

Any participant who does not finish a loop must immediately vacate the start/finish area to allow remaining competitors to move closer. DNF participants are encouraged to watch and support others. The event also offers a Backyard 24 option where all participants who reach 24 hours are tied for first. Ruckers must meet core weight requirements based on body weight. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.