The Valkyrie Sprint Relay packs the full multisport adventure into a 53-mile format—perfect for youth, families, and recreational teams. Participants take on seven exciting stages: trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, kayaking, and road running. Ultra athletes can complete the full course solo or split it as Duos or Trios.
The race begins at 6:00 am with the Trail Run (TRL). From Santa Rita Whitewater Park, runners cross Hwy 3 into Horse Gulch for a 7.4-mile loop via Rocky Road, Extended Ridge, Ben’s Down and Out, and Cuchillo’s. Return through Meadow Loop and Horse Gulch Trail. Early starters use headlamps, catching sunrise on the ridge.
Mountain Bike (MTB): Back in Horse Gulch, riders climb Mesa Connector and continue on the smooth, scenic Durango Mesa Park Connector Trail. Then it's onto Carbon Junction—rocky and loose in places—before returning on the riverside Railroad Trail to Santa Rita.
Road Cycle (RCY): From Santa Rita, cyclists climb CR 210 to hand off at Lake Nighthorse, then continue through Wildcat Canyon, downtown Durango, and the Fort Lewis College switchbacks. Ride Rim Drive, descend Goeglein Gulch, and follow Florida Rd to CR 250. Head west on 32nd St, cross the river, and finish at Oxbow Park. Cool off at the beach before cruising the river trail back to the finish festivities.
Stand-Up Paddle (SUP): Paddle 2 miles on the peaceful north end of Lake Nighthorse. Follow the wakeless buoy line out, hug the shoreline back, and soak up the views on calm, scenic water.
Swim (SWM): A 1 km open-water swim follows, along a clear out-and-back route. Paddleboard teammates provide on-water support as swimmers navigate the still, deep water.
River Paddle (PAD): The 5-mile Animas River paddle is a scenic but technical segment. Focus is key as paddlers dodge boulders and stay in the channel. Enter Smelter Rapids from the far left at low water, and watch for the takeout. Tag your runner and join the celebration. Sprint and full-course teams share this river leg.
The Sprint Course Road Run (RDR) is one lap 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, hand off to a second runner, or if going alone, 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.
