A multi-day race may be the most fun you have all year
If you haven't tried a stage race like the Golden Ultra, it's time
Photo by:
Photo: Simon Lee
Stage races are becoming more popular across the world, and while we often see elites competing in them, regular runners can jump into a few glorious events across Canada. The 2023 Golden Ultra (to be held on Sept. 15–17) opens for registration on Wednesday, Nov. 30th, and with spots expected to fill fast, you may want to jump on board quickly. Here’s what you need to know before you sign up for a stage race.
What is a stage race?
A stage race is like a multi-day running party (with the obvious option of crushing some goals and mileage while taking in the fun). Runners compete on consecutive days, either individually or in teams, usually through three to eight stages. Many races include a climbing component, like a vertical kilometre.
If you’ve ever competed or volunteered at a large running event, you’re probably familiar with that heightened sense of enthusiasm and excitement that results when in a crowd of people doing challenging things and cheering one another on. A stage race has that shared dynamic, but it’s elevated over multiple days. Bonds are formed and barriers broken as runners and volunteers interact through a one-of-a-kind experience.
View this post on Instagram
What the Golden Ultra is all about
At the Golden Ultra, you can choose between two set stage race distances (called the Half Pint and the Full Pint) or you can create your own event, by choosing your preferred distance each day. Whatever your race goals–running a 13K race, a vertical challenge, or completing your first half marathon or ultra, Golden Ultra has options for you. The race is held on stunning trails right from the town of Golden, B.C.
The Golden Ultra incorporates two stage races into one big mountain trail running festival. Runners can choose between either stage race and any of the individual single-day distances. The ‘Full Pint’ (aptly named Blood, Sweat and Tears) involves a vertical kilometre, a 60K ultra, and a 22K half marathon trail race on the final day.
If you aren’t big on blood and tears (come on, it’s type-2 fun!) the ‘Half Pint’ event (also called Climb, Conquer and Cruise) involves a 3K hill climb, a 30K second day, and a so-called easy 13 kilometre race to wrap things up.
How it feels (really)
Candace Mawdsley of Summerland, B.C., jumped into the 2022 Golden Ultra without any previous multi-day or ultra experience. She wasn’t sure what she was getting into–and the race far exceeded her expectations. Mawdsley says that a stage race like the Golden Ultra has an unparalleled atmosphere.
“The first day we ran is, hands down, one of my favourite racing days ever,” Mawdsley says, and describes being in absolute awe as, after a brief period of unexpected intimidating-looking weather, the clouds parted and a rainbow emerged over the town of Golden. “It was one of those moments where you’re asking yourself ‘is this even real?'”
View this post on Instagram
Mawdsley says the multi-day format definitely gives runners that summer camp feeling. “You get to meet the most amazing people on the trails on the first day and then you get to spend three days with them–you spend time together running and you get to catch up with them at dinner, and then repeat it,” she says. “Golden is so gorgeous, and between the course, the people, the race director and the swag, the entire vibe was just rad.”
While Mawdsley says the multi-day format is challenging in that you have to be prepped to run the next day and need to show some restraint in celebrating each night, she added that the post-race recovery period each day really helped her feel strong and move well. “I loved the entire experience and I cannot wait to go back,” she says.
WATCH: Golden Ultra 2023 Teaser
If you want to learn more about Golden Ultra or to register, you can head here.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
