The Valkyrie Relay™ is Utah’s only multi-sport stage race, spanning nearly 100 miles of Utah’s spectacular ‘Wasatch Back’ mountain range. The event pits teams of 3 to 9 specialized competitors, each racing against the clock and transitioning between trail running, kayak/canoe paddling, marathon, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming, and road cycling.
The race begins with a trail run around Jordanelle Reservoir, followed by a 5K kayak/canoe race across Jordanelle Reservoir, leading into a marathon distance road race (split between two teammates) starting at the edge of the Jordanelle Reservoir and running through the outskirts of Midway to the edge of Deer Creek Reservoir. Once participants complete the road race segment, they will begin the Mt. Bike segment at the Euclid Outdoors Mt. Bike course completing two 4.4 mile laps on this fun and technical course. This segment is followed by a 5K SUP course in Deer Creek Reservoir and a 1-mile open water swim course. Once out of the water, participants will embark on the final segment to the finish line on their road bikes through Provo Canyon, then to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, through American Fork Canyon past Timpanogos Cave Monument, and finally finishing at the Endurance Sports Summit Expo at Thanksgiving Point.
The official finish line will be at Thanksgiving Point inside the Expo area of the Endurance Sports Summit. Cyclists will dismount their road bikes in the parking lot, regroup with their team members who will be waiting in a designated area, then finish the race together by running to the finish line inside the Expo.
TRAIL RUN LEG
The race begins with an undulating 10.2-mile Trail Run, along the Jordanelle Reservoir. Starting pre-dawn, headlamps are required. Pace-setting Trail Runners benefit from cooler weather as they lengthen the field. Maneuvering space will be a premium at the transition at the end of the Trail Run. If you can get ahead, do it.
PADDLE LEG
Paddlers race 5K, out-and-back, with single/tandem canoes/kayaks. Beginning and finishing at the Rock Cliff Campground boat ramp, Paddlers cut the glassy surface of the Southeast arm of Jordanelle Reservoir, adding urgency for onlooking Trail Runners about to finish. Morning sun will hit you right in the eyes, so bring your shades.
ROAD RUN LEG
The picturesque 26.2-mile Road Race pays homage to Utah’s celebrated Central Wasatch. Road Racers compete on the comparatively cool scenic highways and country roads of Wasatch County and Midway, Utah. The first half is a fast descent. The second, meanders through tree-lined neighborhoods and past green pastures before arriving to Soldier Hollow.
MTN. BIKE LEG
Mountain Bikers compete on an 17.5-mile course of scrub oak and sage brush terrain with spectacular views of Deer Creek Reservoir. Beginning at Soldier Hollow with a two-lap circuit, then an undulating double-track to Deer Creek Dam. Experience steep climbs and descents with direct midday sun bearing down on them.
ROAD BIKE LEG
The Road Cycle course (RCY) is a 35.0-mile route through one of Utah’s most cherished scenic byways of the Wasatch. Elevation gain is formidable but so is the descent. Surrounding mountains cast cooling shade in the late afternoon through evening, but also challenge cyclists’ light adjustment as they pass in and out of the shadows. And then, after a tour of Midway, bring it home to the Finish at Soldier Hollow. Route: Deer Creek Reservoir to Soldier Hollow Nordic Center via Route 92 (Alpine Loop), Cascade Scenic Rd, and a tour of Midway.
STANDUP PADDLE BOARD (SUP) LEG
The Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) course is a 5K Southbound route at the South end of deep blue Deer Creek Reservoir. Expect afternoon winds to challenge you. To clear the worst chop, hug the shore to your left. Enter the Main Creek inlet at mile-2, and leave the afternoon breeze to the wind-surfers.
OPEN WATER SWIM LEG
Open Water Swimmers (SWM) complete an out-and-back 1.0-mile course in the calm water of the Main Creek Inlet of Deer Creek Reservoir. Deer Creek is known to be a destination for wind-propelled sports. The SWM course is the stark exception, aided by Valkyrie exclusive use. Swim without worry of conflict with boaters.
FINISH LINE
Relay Racers and Marathoners and Half Marathoners will conclude the race at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway Utah at the The Endurance Sports Summit. The Summit is an all day event that coincides with the Valkyrie Relay Race. The Summit brings together manufacturers, retailers, coaches, educators, and event companies, in an expo style setting. Our goal is to have everyone involved in the endurance community together under one roof to exchange training ideas, learn about endurance related products and plan out their event calendars for the next year, and to spend a day as a team participating in the the Valkyrie Multi-sport Relay.
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