springsprints

Welcome to the ARRL VHF & Up Spring Sprints

This will be the place to find the Annual Announcement and Dates for each year’s events. Annual Results — after each year’s events are completed — will be posted here, as will Reports of Logs Received during the log-submission periods.

Welcome to the web “presence” for Amateur Radio’s VHF & Up Spring Sprints.

What Are the Spring VHF & Up Sprints?

The Spring VHF & Up Sprints is a beloved series of short-format amateur radio contests designed to encourage activity on VHF, UHF and microwave bands. Sponsored by the Central States VHF Society, the Sprints offer radio amateurs of all license classes a fun, fast-paced opportunity to test their skills — whether from a fixed station, mobile setup, or rover configuration.

Each “Sprint” focuses on a specific band (for example 144 MHz, 222 MHz, 432 MHz, microwave bands, or 50 MHz), so participants get to choose their favorite bands or try them all, depending on their gear and interest.

Modes of operation are broad: SSB, CW, FM, AM, digital — even EME (Earth–Moon–Earth) via analog or digital modes is often permitted. However, contacts through repeaters or via satellites are not allowed; only simplex contacts count.

Why Sprints Are Special

  • Accessible & inclusive — The short-duration format (usually just a few hours per band) makes it easier for busy amateurs to participate without committing a whole weekend. Beginners, part-time operators, or those with limited setups can still join the fun.

  • Encourages weak-signal & high-band activity — By focusing on VHF/UHF/microwave, the Sprints encourage operators to explore the “above-50 MHz” spectrum that might otherwise go underutilized. It’s a great way to build skill, experiment with equipment, antennas, propagation — and get on the air with a purpose.

  • Flexibility of operation — Whether you’re a fixed-station operator with full power and directional antennas, a rover moving through multiple grid squares, or running low-power/portable gear — the Sprints welcome you. The contest format is forgiving yet rewarding.

  • Community & camaraderie — Since the Sprints are run by a VHF-focused society (CSVHFS) and attract a wide variety of amateurs, they foster a sense of community. Results, logs, and post-contest reports help document the activity and let operators compare notes, propagation, station setups, and participation over time.

What You’ll Find Here

On this site, you’ll find:

  • Annual Announcements & Schedules — including band-specific dates for each year’s Spring Sprint events.

  • Rules & Participation Info — guidance on contest exchange format (typically Maidenhead grid squares), allowed modes, how to submit logs, class/entry categories, and other contest details.

  • Logs Received & Submission Status — for transparency and record-keeping.  This information is now on 3830, but we'll point you there.

  • Results & Historical Archive — full results for past years, broken down by band, class, and grid/multiplier statistics.

  • Resources for New & Veteran Operators — suggestions, best practices, propagation notes, and community links to help maximize your Sprint experience.

Get On the Air — and Enjoy!

Whether you’re a long-time VHF/UHF enthusiast or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the higher bands, the Spring Sprints offer a low-barrier, high-fun way to operate. Keep an eye on this site for the next announcement, grab your rig, tune up the antennas, and join the action!

See you on the air — 73!