Burton
Saguaro Showdown Ultra Race - Matthew Burton
"I'm reaching out to ask for your support-whether it's a donation per kilometer, per mile, or a flat donation-for an incredible nonprofit: United Sound.
The farthest I've ever run before is 50 kilometers (31 miles), but for this challenge my goal is to complete at least 100 kilometers (62miles)-and possibly more. The race day is January 24th, 2026 at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ, it is called the Saguaro Showdown Backyard Ultra. The race is a different kind of race, where you run 4.167 miles every hour on the hour. You are eliminated from the race if you cannot complete a lap within the hour, or you are unable to get back to the start line before the next loop. The race continues until there is only one person left that finishes one lap. These races often go for longer than 24 hours, but can end early if there is not a second runner continuing the race. The distance per hour is 4.167 because if you complete 24 hours, you will have completed 100 miles (which is 160.9 kilometers).
United Sound is a unique program designed to offer musical opportunities to chronically underserved populations. The program works with existing band and orchestra programs to reach out to students with disabilities and offer them mentors to help them learn and perform on a musical instrument of their choice.
As a Combat Medic Veteran, I've experienced firsthand the healing impact of music through the Guitars for Vets program. I've also seen the joy and growth it brings, my son played the trumpet, French horn, and mellophone in the school band/marching band, and my daughter currently plays the cello in her school orchestra.
Music changes lives. Everyone deserves the chance to participate in it, and United Sound is making that happen for students who might otherwise never get the opportunity.
Your support-no matter the amount-can help make this run more meaningful and open the door for more students to experience the power of music."
An invoice/payment link will be sent after the race