Prairie Goat VK 2026

Prairie Goat VK challenges runners to ascend the same hill 30 times at SpringHill Winter Park in Springfield, Manitoba. It's a vertical kilometer race, aiming for 1,000 metres of climbing within a four-hour time limit, utilizing a short 400-metre loop rather than a single long mountain ascent. The event typically occurs in August, begins in the morning, and maintains a small field, with published limits between 100 and 200 participants. Each circuit descends swiftly from the summit before returning runners directly up a steep incline, making the race straightforward to grasp yet demanding to execute. The summit aid station, also serving as a mid-loop checkpoint, provides water, electrolytes, energy bars, and fruit. As the race is cup-less, participants must bring their own reusable cup or bottle. Drop bags are permitted, but pacers are not. Spectators are welcome to offer encouragement along the course. All finishers are awarded medals, while top competitors vie for VK awards and GOAT trophies. Complimentary course photos are available, and the day concludes with a post-race barbecue. The event takes place on Treaty 1 territory, on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and the Red River Métis Nation. Organizers aim to ensure the race is accessible to Indigenous runners.