Prairie Goat VK 2026: Unleash Your Inner Goat!
Whether you’re a seasoned hill-crusher returning for more or a newcomer ready to test your grit, the Prairie Goat VK is back for its third year! We’re calling on every runner, from vertical veterans to the hill-curious, to join us on the banks of the Red River Floodway. We gather on Treaty 1 territory, the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the Red River Métis Nation.
The Mission & Course
The goal is simple but brutal: reach 1,000m of total vertical gain before the 4-hour clock runs out. To get there, you will tackle a relentless 400m loop featuring a rapid descent followed immediately by a demanding climb back to the summit. You’ll repeat this circuit, descending and ascending, until you reach the magic number of 30 laps. Whether you’re racing the competition or the noon cutoff, this is the ultimate test of grit.
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: SpringHill Winter Park
Race Day Breakdown
- Bib Pickup: 7:00 AM – 7:40 AM
- Racer Meeting: 7:45 AM
- Race Start: 8:00 AM
- Cutoff: 12:00 PM (4-Hour Limit)
Aid Station: Water, electrolytes, energy bars, and fruit. Note: This is a cup-less event. Please bring your own reusable vessel!
Why You'll Love It
- The Hardware: All participants receive a commemorative finisher’s medal.
- The Trophies: We’ll be awarding VK Top Finisher awards and the iconic ‘GOAT’ trophies for those who complete the most loops before the cutoff.
- The Soundtrack: A high-energy playlist will blast across the hillside to fuel your grittiest climbs. Submit your song requests at registration to help us build the ultimate "Goat Mode" soundtrack!
- The Memories: FREE high-quality course photos to document your struggle and triumph.
- The Vibes: A legendary community atmosphere with a post-race BBQ to swap victory stories.
The Essentials
- Support: Drop bags are welcome. No pacers allowed, but spectators are highly encouraged to cheer from the summit!
- Logistics: Carpooling is key. St. John Ambulance will be on-site for safety.
- Policy: No refunds. Participation is capped at 100 runners, once they're gone, they're gone.
- Inclusivity: We are committed to making the Prairie Goat VK accessible to Indigenous runners. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to [email protected]. We would love to connect and support your journey to the start line.
Are you ready to climb? Unleash the goat!
