Race planning

Plan Saguaro Showdown Backyard Ultra

Use the listed edition as your starting point. Each tool keeps imported race facts separate from the targets and assumptions you choose.

Edition notes: The fourth edition. Registration is open on UltraSignup and closes at 11:59 PM MT on Friday, January 8, 2027. Big's race page lists the category as "Bronze" and gives Phoenix as the location; the race is held at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. The ruck loop is 2.3 miles on UltraSignup, while Big's page gives 2.25 and 2.5 miles.

Your shortlist →Download calendar dates (.ics)

Listed edition: Jan 23, 2027
Format: Backyard Ultra
Distance: 4.1667 mi every hour
Local start time: 8:00 AM Saturday, January 23, 2027
Duration / cutoff: Each loop must be completed within one hour, and runners must be in the start corral before the bell, with whistles at 3, 2 and 1 minutes and a 10-second countdown. No late starts. The race is open-ended: the last runner must complete one loop alone to win, and everyone else is a DNF. In the Backyard 24, everyone who reaches 24 hours is tied for first.
Crew and pacers: Crews are allowed but not needed and may come and go. Once the bell rings, runners may not visit their crew, tent or vehicle or receive aid from anyone, and may leave the course only to use the portable toilets. Runners who drop out must clear the start/finish line straight away.
Drop bags: Check the current race rules

Recorded facts reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Check the organizer’s latest rules. Calendar downloads use all-day dates and do not set a starting alarm.

Pace & duration

Choose a distance target. Choose a planning duration; this race has no single recorded time limit to import.

Gear checklist

Start with the matching format checklist. Add the organizer’s mandatory gear.

Crew & drop bags

Bring across the race name. Add confirmed access points, distances and your own arrival estimates.

Planning hourly yards? Use the backyard calculator for loop pace and time between starts.