The Golden Ultra: tougher climbs coming in 2019

What you may not know about the three day stage race happening September 20-22, 2019

Tory Scholz November 1, 2018

September 20-22, 2019 marks the fifth year of the popular Golden Ultra three-day stage race in Golden, B.C., which attracts runners of all levels and abilities. “Three days of pure mountain bliss” in 2019 includes a new course with views that are worth the climbs. Here are some other facts you may not know about the Golden Ultra.

The race includes three stages of trail and mountain running

Day 1, the “Blood” stage, is a vertical kilometre from the base of Kicking Horse Resort to the top of the ski hill. Day 2, the “Sweat” stage is 60K of scenic mountain running. Day 3, the “tears” stage is 21K of rolling and runnable trails throughout Golden.

You can race any way you want

The Golden Ultra is a three-day stage race, but runners can join the fun in different ways. Runners can choose to race all three stages in the “full pint” option, “half pint” option, or one or more of the stages individually.

The 2019 event is better than ever

New routes for the 30K course on day two will offer tougher climbs and more scenic views than previous years. Race director Magi Scallion says “There are some really special spots on that route.” The 10K or 21K race on day three include locals’ “favourite running routes in Golden.” Maps for the new routes will be available online by December.

Kids are welcome

There is also a ‘little pint” stage race over the weekend for children. Day 1 is the vertical metre, day 2 is the ultra-mini, and day 3 is the trail play stage. Get inspired by watching the next generation of trail runners toe the line.

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Experienced trail and mountain runners return each year

The three-day party for adults attracts top runners from across Canada. Eric Carter holds the record for the vertical kilometre on day 1, and Ailsa Macdonald has the female course record for days 2 and 3. Hollie Holden has raced the Golden Ultra full pint each year since 2015, and has made trail running friends from around the world. “Each year Golden is the place to catch up with old friends. The town is awesome, the routes are beautiful, and the organization is excellent.”

RELATED: The Golden Ultra vertical K challenge: not called The Blood for nothing

Each year the race grows in popularity

The Golden Ultra began in 2015, and 150 runners showed up. In 2016, the event grew to 252 runners. By 2017, 540 runners participated in the stage race. This year in 2018, almost 600 runners toed the line. For its fifth year in 2019, the Golden Ultra could easily sell out.

Registration is limited to 750 runners

The set cap ensures a high-quality event and “that everybody gets a chance to really enjoy the beautiful trails here,” explains Magi.

Early bird pricing ends December 31, 2018. So register early, and do it now. More information here.