Golden is a town of recreation. We have access to world-class adventure sports, but on the first Sunday of every month, there is a simpler activity that brings the community together: running.
The Small Town Race Series is a monthly event where experienced and beginner runners come together for an organized group run.
I stopped in to watch the runners head off on their September run and chat with the organizer, Maddie Fache.
Fache is a longtime Golden resident and avid runner. She started the series with accessibility and community in mind.
“The thought was that it was this barrier-free, community-building event that could bring anybody out to,” Fache said of her motivation for starting the event.
“I just think that running is something that brings people together in this community. You don’t have to have big, expensive bikes or lots of equipment, and you can just come out and do it, hike, walk, run.”
Fache is right about accessibility. Running may seem humble compared to some of Golden’s other outdoor activities, like skiing or mountain biking, but all you really need to join in is a pair of running shoes.
She also explained that there is a big focus on making newcomers feel welcome.
“I just wanted something that allowed people to be out on the trails and feel confident if they weren’t comfortable being out there on their own, but still wanted to explore and see what trail running was like.”
While the events are called a race series, the competitive aspect is intentionally downplayed in favour of creating a low-pressure environment.
“I don’t do prizes. I don’t do first places… if you want to push yourself, you can push yourself, and if you want to walk it, you can walk it.”
Keeping the monthly events low-pressure is designed to make them inclusive and approachable, but that does not mean competition is completely off the table.
Fache also organizes and hosts the Selkirk Slacker, a competitive timed running event where solo challengers or teams see how many kilometres they can run over an eight- or 12-hour period.
The monthly series can act as a stepping stone toward events like the Slacker, helping runners build confidence without the pressure of competition.
“My hope is that people get comfortable running over the year, and then when something like the Slacker comes up, they’re comfortable saying, ‘Oh, I know I can do this, and this will actually be fun.’”
Another issue I discussed with Fache is sharing Golden’s multi-use trails with cyclists. The Small Town Race Series has partnered with the Golden Cycling Club for hybrid events, including a duathlon where runners and cyclists are paired into teams and work together to complete as many laps as possible within a set time.
The goal of these events is mainly to have fun, but they also encourage people to see the trails as a shared space.
“I think it’s really important for people to realize that they’re multi-use trails, and that you can go out and use them. It’s also part of something that I just wanted people to be aware of, that there’s kind of trail etiquette, and there are ways that you can use the trails that everyone can get along together.”
The Small Town Race Series has been an ongoing tradition since 2023, missing only one or two months over that span. The series continues through all seasons, come rain, shine or snow.
“My whole goal was that I was always going to be consistent. Whether there were five people or 25 people, I was going to do it every month and just make it a community thing.”
Many of the participants have been consistent as well. Fache mentioned Kiorie Bennett, who volunteers to “sweep” the trail every month. This means staying at the back of the group to make sure nobody gets lost or left behind.
Fache also plans all of the routes, ensuring that newcomers to town, or people who are new to trail running, can participate without worrying about getting lost.
While I was watching the September run, I noticed friends of Fache and other volunteers positioned along road crossings throughout the route. They kept an eye on traffic, guided runners across the roads and cheered them on as they passed.
The experience is designed to be as simple and welcoming as possible. Runners can show up, enjoy the route and feel celebrated when they cross the finish line.
Golden McDonald’s sponsors the events by providing coffee and treats, which are always available at the finish.
From my brief visit to the Small Town Race Series, I found the atmosphere warm and inviting. It even made me consider joining for a run, despite finding running to be a specific kind of torture.
These kinds of organized events can hold the door open for people looking for community, accessibility or simply some good exercise. For many participants, the race is a monthly reset, with several telling me they enjoy their Sunday more after taking part.
If you are interested in joining the next Small Town Race Series event, you can find more information through the Small Town Race Series Facebook group.
