Softball Valley to Elks is 9 km.
Start west to the river and then south along the river to Tollestrup’s berm. Continue south on the edge of the berm, past the Tollestrup office, dropping down to the river again. Get to the Highway 3 bridge and cross over the bridge to the west side of Lethbridge. Follow the red shale berm south and under the High Level bridge to the metal stairs (there may be a dirt trail alternative to the stairs). Go up to the top and follow the limestone/shale pathway to the Bull Trail stairs. Drop down and then up to the Whoop Up Drive bridge and east across the river. Turn left off the bridge on pavement and follow the pylons, along the river to the Elks Aid Station (mandatory check-in).
*The course crosses Leg 2 at the Highway 3 bridge.
**100 mile runners need to complete a “Start Loop” and will cut over to Leg 2 before the Highway 3 bridge for their 8.5 km start loop.