The Valkyrie Full-Course Relay spans nearly 80 miles through Durango’s stunning urban and natural landscapes. Teams of specialists tackle seven disciplines: trail running, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, road cycling, canoe/kayak paddling, and road running. Ultra athletes can complete the course solo as “Ultra Heptathletes” or join forces as Duos or Trios.
The action begins at 6:00 am with the Trail Run (TRL). Racers leave Santa Rita Whitewater Park, cross Hwy 3, and enter Horse Gulch. The 9.7-mile course winds through Rocky Road, Extended Ridge, Sugar, Cuchillo's, and Meadow Loop, returning via Horse Gulch Trail—cresting the ridge just as the sun rises over the Animas River Valley.
The Mountain Bike (MTB) stage also starts in Horse Gulch, climbing Mesa Connector to the fun, flowy Telegraph Connector. Riders join the historic Telegraph Trail, then climb Telegraph Hill—no easy feat. After reaching the top, racers hit Sidewinder, which loops to Carbon Jct Trail. The descent is loose and rocky, so stay sharp. Finish via the Railroad Trail along the river back to Santa Rita.
The Road Cycle (RCY) is both tough and scenic. From Santa Rita, riders climb CR 210 to tag off their SUP partner at the lake—then head straight into a ride through Wildcat Canyon, downtown streets, and up the Fort Lewis College switchbacks. Continue along Rim Drive, descend Goeglein Gulch, then onto CR 250 northbound. Finish at Oxbow Park after crossing Hwy 550 twice—stay alert. Tag your paddler and cool off at the beach, then ride the river trail back to Santa Rita to join the celebration.
Next is Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Nighthorse’s calm northern end. The 3.1-mile course loops around buoys and follows the shoreline back, with inlets to navigate and a secret phrase to verify completion. Expect flatwater, tree-dodging, and epic views.
The Swim (SWM) follows at Lake Nighthorse: a 1.2-mile out-and-back course hugging the left side of buoys both ways, with support from paddleboarding teammates.
The River Paddle (PAD) is a highlight. Calm yet technical, the Animas River requires careful channeling around boulders. Enter Smelter Rapids from the far left in low water, and look for the takeout just after. Tag your road runner and celebrate—you're almost there.
The final Road Run (RDR) is two laps of the south loop due to trail upgrades. Get the chip from your paddler and head south on the river trail. Near the movie theater, veer right at the aid station, then continue along La Posta Road (CR 113). At Dallabetta Park, cross the bridge and turn left to head back on the trail. Pass the aid station again en route to Santa Rita and the finish line—or hand off for lap two if splitting the run.
