The Valkyrie Sprint Relay offers competition in all seven sports and runs concurrently with the Full-Course version. Spanning 69 miles, the shorter distances make the race more accessible to recreational, youth and family teams. Experience the same excitement and epic racecourse as the Full course counterparts. Ultra athletes can compete as single "Ultra Heptathletes" or as Ultra Duos.
The journey kicks off with the Trail Run (TRL), commencing in the early hours at 6:00 am. Runners will set out from Santa Rita Park, crossing Hwy 3 to access the Horse Gulch Trailhead. The 7.1 -mile course follows Rocky Road to Extended Ridge to Ben's Down and Out, left to the aid station and then to Cuchillo's. Down Meadow Loop to Horse Gulch trail and back to Santa Rita Park. With headlamps lighting the way, runners are rewarded with the sunrise as they reach the top of the ridge.
The Mountain Bike (MTB) leg takes us back to Horse Gulch for a spin on the new Mesa Flow trail system. It’s a smooth climb up Mesa Connector, descend on Beginner Flow Trail. Take a left for Meadow Knob Connector to fly down the Intermediate Downhill trail. If you have a chance to do a practice run before the race, please do so… get a feel for how much air you might be getting on the jumps so you aren’t surprised. Total for the sprint course is a fun and fast 9.95 miles.
Navigating the tranquil north end of Lake Nighthorse, the Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) course follows the wakeless buoys out, and returns by following the coastline. Against the serene backdrop, participants complete a total of 2 km, skillfully mastering the waters with their paddle boards.
The Open Swimmers (SWM) stage beckons adventurers to tackle the wakeless waters at the north end of Lake Nighthorse. On the out-and-back journey, swimmers conquer a 1 km course, basking in the beauty of their surroundings.
Road Cycle (RCY) enthusiasts take on a 41.9-mile route, from Lake Nighthorse to Wildcat Canyon, up and over Durango to the lovely Animas River Valley. Sprint course turn left at Trimble Lane, to CR 203, to Oxbow Park to tag off the next racer. Cyclists can take a quick swim in the river and then leisurely follow their teammate along the river trail all the way to the finish line party.
PDL – this is the best part. The river is slow clear and picturesque at this time of year and at this time of day. Though the river is low and “non-threatening” the rocks pose a challenge. After a mile or two of flat water, you need to use your eyes and river skills to navigate the boulders to find the channel. The course finishes at Santa Rita whitewater park. In low water, enter the Smelter rapids section from the far, left side. Pay close attention to the take out, tag the runner, and then walk up to the finish line for the party. Sprint and full course racers do the same distance of 5 miles.
Finally, the Road Run (RDR) leg. Head south on the scenic Animas River trail and over to La Posta Road to cross Dallabetta Bridge (at Home Depot). Back upriver to cross the foot bridge. If you are splitting this portion with a teammate, you will hand off at this aid station. Continue through the Valkyrie party until you get to the pickleball courts at Schneider Park. Turn around and sprint back to your teammates awaiting at Santa Rita Park (see map for details). The runner gets to be the hero that brings it all home for a triumphant finish.
