Valkyrie Trail Race

About the Event

The Valkyrie Trail Race is a prominent women-focused trail running event held annually in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, located in southern Colorado Springs. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the race is designed to celebrate female participation in the sport, offering a wide array of distances that accommodate both novice trail runners and experienced ultramarathoners. The event is managed by Mad Moose Events and is known for its supportive atmosphere and scenic mountain views.

Race Categories and Start Times

The event features six different distances, allowing participants to choose a challenge that fits their specific goals. All races take place on the same day with staggered starts throughout the morning.

Distance	Start Time	Terrain Difficulty
50K & Marathon	7:00 AM	High (Technical singletrack & climbing)
30K & 1/2 Marathon	7:30 AM	Moderate (Mixed meadow and singletrack)
8 Miler & 4 Miler	8:00 AM	Low to Moderate (Crushed limestone and pine forest)

Course and Geography

The geography of the Valkyrie Trail Race highlights the diverse ecosystems of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The route begins in the open meadows on crushed limestone paths before transitioning to narrow, winding singletrack that ascends toward the mountain's flanks. After descending the Talon Trail, runners navigate more technical, rocky sections shaded by pine forests. In early May, Colorado Springs typically experiences crisp mountain air, with temperatures starting around 5°C (41°F) at dawn and rising to 18°C (64°F) by the afternoon, though mountain weather can bring sudden shifts in conditions.

Logistically, the event is centralized within the state park, requiring participants to plan for park entry and transit to the trailhead. Registration for the 2026 race closes on May 7. Detailed race guides, including mandatory aid station locations and cutoff times, are provided by the organizers to ensure safety across the technical terrain. While the event is focused on women, it is an inclusive celebration that has historically attracted high-level regional talent, including top performances from notable trail runners in the 50K category.

Races Offered

50K

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 50K

terrain

Type — Running

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07:00

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$170.00

Marathon

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

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07:00

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$155.00

1/2 Marathon

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

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$125.00

30K

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 30K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

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$140.00

4 Miler

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 6.4K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$65.00

8 Miler

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 12.9K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$85.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Colorado Springs.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 5.9° / 20.6°

wb_sunny 2.9° / 16.8°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 9.5 /

water_drop 56.5%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 5.9° / 20.6°

wb_sunny 2.9° / 16.8°

air 9.5 km/h

water_drop 56.5%

About Colorado Springs

Learn more about the host city, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is a city of about 490,000 in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of El Paso County, the city lies 63 miles (101 km) south of Denver at the foot of Pikes Peak in South Central Colorado.