Event Overview
| Date | Feb 13-14, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Location | Spring Valley to New River, Arizona, USA |
| Format | Fixed-Distance |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Region | North America |
| Distance / duration | 100 km; separate 50 km race |
| State / area | Arizona (AZ) |
| Course model | Point-to-point |
| Edition note | The February 13–14 window covers two separate races. The 100K starts February 13 in three waves; the 50K starts February 14. Registration is advertised through February 6 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. |
| Start | 100K: 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 AM MST Saturday; 50K: the same wave times Sunday. |
Course & Terrain
Sonoran Desert single track and jeep roads from Mayer High School toward New River; the 100K finishes at Emery Henderson Trailhead.
Entry & Logistics
| Registration and fees | Check the official event website for current availability, deadlines, prices, taxes, and refund terms. |
|---|---|
| Qualification | A sub-17-hour 100K finish meets the stated Western States lottery qualifying standard; this is not the race cutoff. |
| Logistics note | Collect the bib before race day. The organizer provides start shuttles but no return shuttle from the finish to Mayer High School. |
Why This Race Matters
Black Canyon is a World Trail Majors event. The 2027 100K awards Western States Golden Tickets to the top three women and men, subject to Western States rules.
Preparing for a Race Like Black Canyon Ultras
The fixed-distance race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Walking strategy for ultramarathons: When and how to walk by terrain, effort and cutoffs.
- Crew and aid-station strategy: Crew tables, aid stops, drop bags and runner preferences.
- Hydration and sodium for ultramarathons: Fluid, sodium, thirst, sweat rate and hyponatremia risk.
- Tapering for ultramarathons: Plan the taper and race week around your own recovery.
Planning Notes
- Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
- The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.
- Check your assigned wave and shuttle time. The race is cupless.
Related Preparation
- Browse Arizona Ultramarathons
- Open the Fixed-Distance format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Plan checkpoint arrivals and cutoff buffers
- Print a pace band for your goal time
- Estimate race calories and plan fueling
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated November 5, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Aravaipa: 2027 schedule, courses, shuttles and qualification — https://www.aravaiparunning.com/blackcanyon/
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: November 5, 2026.