Valhalla 5K & Pursuit

OVERVIEW 

The Valkyrie Multisport Relay, June 19, 2021 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 up to 9 (3 - 9) specialized competitors against each other, racing against the clock and exchanging between trail running, kayak/canoe paddling, marathon, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming, and road cycling. Race day consists of four events: Valkyrie Full Relay, Valkyrie Sprint Relay, and the Valkyrie Midway Marathon and Half Marathon, with everything culminating at an all-day Expo (Endurance Sports Summit) at the finish line. The Endurance Sports Summit is the official sponsor of the Valkyrie Relay. The Valkyrie Midway Marathon and Half Marathon are standalone events that run concurrent with the Relay and follow the same course the trail runners take in the Full Relay. Those participating in the Marathon and Half Marathon do not need to be signed up for the Relay.

VALKYRIE MIDWAY MARATHON & HALF MARATHON 

The Valkyrie Marathon and Half-Marathon are stand-alone races held concurrently with the Valkyrie Multi-Sport Relay, June 19, 2021. The Marathon follows the RDR (Road Run) leg of the Valkyrie Full Relay course, and the Half Marathon follows the last half of the course starting at Wasatch Mountain State Park. The Road Run pays homage to Utah’s celebrated Central Wasatch. Marathon and Half Marathon runners compete on the comparatively cool scenic highways and country roads of Wasatch County and Midway, Utah. The first half of the full marathon is a fast descent. The second half, meanders through tree-lined neighborhoods and past green pastures before arriving at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.

RELAY LEGS: 

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.