The Black Canyon Ultrasoffer runners an immersive experience along Arizona's historic Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. This event features two point-to-point races: a 100K on Saturday and a 50K on Sunday, both traversing the rugged and scenic Sonoran Desert.

The 100K race begins at Mayer High School in Spring Valley and concludes at the Emery Henderson Trailhead near New River. Participants will navigate a course that includes high desert grasslands, multiple arroyo crossings, and deep canyons, all while following segments of the historic stagecoach route between Phoenix and Prescott. The trail's rich history dates back to pre-historic Native American travelers and traders, adding a profound sense of heritage to the challenging terrain.

The 50K race also starts at Mayer High School and finishes at Deep Canyon Ranch near Black Canyon City, offering runners a shorter yet equally captivating journey through the desert landscape.

Notably, the Black Canyon 100K serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. To be eligible for the lottery, participants must complete the 100K within 17 hours. Additionally, the top three male and female finishers in the 100K will receive automatic entry into the 2025 Western States 100.

Organized by Aravaipa Running, the event is renowned for its excellent support, including well-stocked aid stations approximately every 4.5 to 9 miles, offering water, electrolyte drinks, and a variety of snacks to sustain runners throughout their journey. The race also emphasizes environmental responsibility, operating as a cupless event to minimize waste and preserve the natural beauty of the trail.

For more information, including registration details, course maps, and runner guides, visit the official event website:

Whether you're an elite ultrarunner aiming for a Western States qualifier or a trail enthusiast seeking a new adventure, the Black Canyon Ultras provide a memorable journey through Arizona's captivating desert terrain.

Running on Water: The Lowest Point on Earth

The Dead Sea region, managed by the Tamar Regional Council since 1956, is one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Nestled within the Syrian-African Rift, it is home to breathtaking geological formations, vast desert expanses, and the world's saltiest body of water—the Dead Sea. This unique environment, where land sinks to 430 meters (1,411 feet) below sea level, creates an otherworldly running experience unlike any other.

Runners are drawn to this region not only for its extreme geography but also for its rich history and cultural significance. The area boasts historical landmarks such as Masada, the Ancient Byzantine Synagogue, and Ein Gedi, an oasis with lush vegetation amid the stark desert. The mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and the surrounding air—renowned for its therapeutic qualities—make this a destination for both athletes and wellness seekers alike.

Despite its arid landscape, the Tamar region has seen remarkable development in tourism, agriculture, and industry. Today, the council oversees six communities and welcomes over 2 million visitors annually who come to hike, explore, and experience the region’s natural wonders. While only 1,350 people call this area home, their commitment to preserving its heritage and potential remains strong.

For runners, the Dead Sea offers a race like no other—where the stark beauty of the desert meets the surreal sensation of running at the lowest point on Earth. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply soaking in the ancient scenery, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon is an annual road running competition which takes place in early February in Marugame, Japan. It currently holds IAAF Silver Label Road Race status and the professional races attract over 1000 entries each year, and hosted by the Sankei Shimbun, Sankei Sports, Okayama Broadcasting, BS Fuji.

The race in Marugame was first held in 1947 as a full-length marathon, known as the Kagawa Marathon. A companion 20 km race began in 1949 in addition to the scheduled marathon. The course lengths were gradually reduced over time: the main race lasted as a full marathon until 1961 when a 35 km race was held and the shorter race became a 10 km competition. The main race was again shortened in 1971, being reduced to a 20 km race. The competitions were known as the Kagawa Road Races until 1997, when the main race was slightly extended to the half marathon distance and the competition received its current moniker.

Competitors in the professional races are largely Japanese athletes, supplemented by African athletes based in the country. In addition, a small number of foreign athletes are invited to compete each year. The level of competition is strong: Kenyan runner Mekubo Mogusu recorded a sub-60 minute time in 2007 for the men's course record (59:48), while the women's course record of 1:07:26, set by Kayoko Fukushi in 2006, is the Asian record for the half marathon. The course is AIMS-certified making performances at the course eligible for national and world records.

The course of the half marathon is largely linear, beginning at the Marugame Stadium and heading eastwards before abruptly looping back to follow the same path back towards the finish point within the stadium.

The Watford Half Marathon is a very well-established race, its mainly along lovely country roads and lanes that are virtually traffic free.UK Athletics Gold Graded Event.The race incorporates the Hertfordshire County Veterans Half Marathon Championships.

The race has strong history with in the running community and has beentaking place for the past 40 years, on various courses in the Watford area. We attract runners from those graduating from Park Runs, to those training for spring marathons . The race is organised by the Watford Harriers, we have been organising athletics event on track, road and cross country for over 50 years. This is an event for Runners by Runners.