The Golden Ultra returns on Friday, September 21 incorporating two stage races over three days and a little pint race for young kids.
The 10-kilometre, vertical challenge, half-marathon, and ultra-marathon races will take place across Golden and at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort as racers challenge themselves and others, competing to the finish line.
The big mountain trail running festival features the ultra marathon, an 85-kilometre stage race spread over three days broken into three categories: blood, sweat, and tears. The half pint is a 45-kilometre stage race broken into three categories over the weekend: climb, conquer, and cruise.
Two races for little pints (kins younger than their teen years) features the vertical metre, running up the ski hill; the ultra mini, the biggest challenge on a three-kilometre course along the river; and trail play, a flat and fast shorter blast to the finish line.
“We did the full little pint for the first time last year. It was awesome,” said organizer Magi Scallion, adding that there were around 30 to 40 little racers. “They were real champions. The kids are the future of running, and I personally believe getting them started with great experiences in sports will hopefully keep them engaged for life.”
At the end of the little pint races, all participants get a prize at the finish line.
“So, while it’s a race, it’s also about finishing,” she said.
The Golden Ultra also features a fun hobby horse category, where runners can participate in any event, as long as they notify organizers they are running in the hobby horse category. Hobby horses must be at least one metre long, ears to tail, and must be ridden for the duration of the race.
Online registrations have already closed, but anyone wanting to participate in any aspect of the Golden Ultra this weekend will be able to register on Thursday, September 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Whitetooth Brewery, or Friday, September 21 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Yurt and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Waivers will be available on site, or online to fill out in advance of the race day. The races begin at 4 p.m. for all categories on September 21 at Kicking Horse, and finish at 6:30 p.m. before the first day awards at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, September 22, the first race begins at 7:30 a.m., and all other races start at different times throughout the day.
For more information about the Golden Ultra, race times, and safety information, visit www.goldenultra.com.
