Black Canyon Ultras
Arizona's Premier Desert Ultramarathon Challenge
Origins and Evolution
Since its inception in 2015, the Black Canyon Ultras 100K has grown from a regional race to a major event on the global ultrarunning calendar, now celebrated as part of the World Trail Majors. The race, starting in Mayer, Arizona, and ending in New River, has evolved considerably, reflecting its increasing prominence. These changes include course modifications to enhance runner experience and safety, whilst maintaining the challenging and diverse terrain that characterizes the event.
Route and Challenges
The course, along the Black Canyon Trail, offers a quintessential desert running experience. Key sections such as Antelope Mesa, Black Canyon, and Skull Valley present runners with challenges typical of desert ultrarunning, including extreme temperature variations and dry conditions, testing both their physical endurance and mental fortitude.
Community and Participation
Attracting over 200 participants annually, the Black Canyon Ultras is not just for elite runners but also welcomes newcomers to the sport. As part of the World Trail Majors, it emphasizes community spirit, fostering a supportive and friendly environment. This approach is reflective of the broader ethos of the series, which values connectivity and camaraderie among runners.
Impact and Records
The race's status as both a World Trail Majors event and a UTMB Index race underlines its importance in the ultrarunning world. It has witnessed remarkable performances, setting high benchmarks in both the men's and women's categories. These achievements showcase the event's competitive nature and its role in advancing the sport.
More than just a race, the Black Canyon Ultras 100K is an integral part of a global series that celebrates and connects the trail running community. It challenges participants to push their limits amidst the rugged beauty of Arizona's deserts, contributing significantly to the growth and popularity of ultrarunning
Learn more on the Official Website!
