The Golden Ultra 2026 is a unique trail event and festival that is either a three-day stage race or a one-day ultra marathon that takes place in Golden, British Columbia, Canada, a hidden gem in the Kootenay Rockies region. The Golden Ultra 2026 is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to explore the legendary trails of Golden, surrounded by six national parks and two majestic mountain ranges. Golden Ultra 2026 is part of the TransRockies Race Series and rated by Strambecco as a Best-in-Class Event.

The Golden Ultra offers something for everyone, whether aiming for a 13km run, your first ultra marathon, or a full-stage race. You can choose between two-stage race distances (the Full Pint or the Half Pint) or single-day options on Saturday or Sunday. Here’s what you can expect from each stage:

Day 1: The Blood. This vertical-kilometer race will test your lungs and legs as you climb 1000 meters in 5km (Full Pint) or 500 meters in 3km (Half Pint). The reward is a spectacular view of the town and the Columbia River Valley from the top of Mount 7, one of the most iconic peaks in Golden.

Day 2: The Sweat. This is the longest and most challenging stage, a 60km ultra-marathon (Full Pint) or a 30km trail run (Half Pint) that will take you through Golden’s diverse and scenic terrain. You’ll run along the Kicking Horse River, through lush forests, across alpine meadows, and over rocky ridges. You’ll also encounter some technical sections, steep climbs, and fast descents that will keep you on your toes.

Day 3: The Tears. This is the final and most fun stage, a 22km trail run (Full Pint) or a 10km trail run (Half Pint) that will make you smile and cry at the same time. You’ll start from the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a world-class ski and bike destination, and run up and down the ski slopes, enjoying the views of the Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Wetlands. You’ll finish at the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, Canada’s longest freestanding timber-framed bridge, where you’ll be greeted by cheering crowds and a festive atmosphere.

The Golden Ultra is not only a well-organized and well-marked race but also a well-supported and well-celebrated one. Aid stations along each stage are stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, and medical supplies, manned by friendly volunteers. Free shuttle service is available for all runners and spectators, to and from the start and finish lines of each stage. Professional timing and results are provided by Sportstats, with official times, rankings, personalized certificates and finisher medals. Professional photographers and videographers capture your race moments, with free digital access and purchase options for prints.

Golden Ultra is part of the TransRockies Race Series, a series of events that span road cycling, mountain biking, trail running, and gravel biking in some of North America’s most beautiful destinations. The TransRockies Race Series is designed to cater to both competitive and recreational participants, with different categories, distances, and formats to suit different levels of ability and experience.