On the weekend, I dove headfirst into the Golden Ultra–one of B.C.’s most talked-about races–and let me tell you, it more than lives up to the hype. Over three epic days, this race delivers the kind of adventure that makes your legs burn and your soul sing. Here’s why the Golden Ultra shines so bright—and why you’ll want to add it to your 2025 race calendar ASAP (but hurry, it sells out fast!).
Something for everyone
If you’re considering making the leap to ultra-distance, a stage race like the Golden Ultra might be the perfect way to dip your toe in safely. Stage races spread over several days offer a mix of terrain that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Plus, many events (including this one) let you sign up for single stages if you’re not ready to commit to the full race. There’s truly something for everyone—right down to the little ones, with a kid’s race happening each day.
The Golden Ultra’s three stages (fittingly named Blood, Sweat and Tears) are spread over three days. Runners can choose to take on all three stages by signing up for either the Half Pint (shorter distances) or the Full Pint. The Full Pint challenges participants with a 5 km climb, a 60 km ultra and a 23 km run (on successive days), while the Half Pint features a 3 km climb, a 30 km run and a 13 km run. I signed up for the Half Pint on the first two days, then decided to tackle the longer distance on the final day, and while my legs felt tested, each race felt manageable and had all the finish-line feels.
A three-day-long trail party
Despite the event kicking off with threatening weather, each day the energy at the start line was electric. Race director and excitement guru Kevin “Houda” McDonald seemed to be everywhere, hyping up the nervous runners as they prepared to tackle a steep climb. For the 3K distance, participants got to ride a chairlift halfway up, finishing at the same point as the 5K group.
Julien Lachance, an elite runner from Mont-St-Anne, Que., described the race—particularly stages one and two—as “a real Rockies trail race.” Lachance earned a spot on the podium, finishing third overall in the elite category. “Golden Ultra is unique in its ambiance and the easy way to make new friends. It’s a good way to discover the mountains and trails around Golden,” he said.
Post-race, all runners enjoyed a fantastic meal (with vegan and gluten-free options), followed by a safety briefing, a run-down on the next day’s race course, and–best of all–a video synopsis of that day’s event. Runners enjoyed spotting themselves during the slide show and felt ready to tackle the next day’s adventure.
Stunning trails
Golden and its surroundings boast some of the most breathtaking trails in Canada, and the view at the top of day one’s brutal climb made every burning muscle—calves, quads and everything else—completely worth it. But that was just the beginning. Each race took us through jaw-dropping forests and delivered incredible mountain views–even with a little mist, rain and snow in the mix. With a perfect balance of challenging climbs and smooth, cruisy dirt paths, every day presented a fresh challenge. As Lachance put it, “The variety of the trails gives everyone the chance to push their limits and experience new skills and abilities.”
Registration for the 2025 edition of the race opens on Nov. 13. To learn more about the race, check out their website, here.
