On the weekend, I dove headfirst into the Golden Extremely–one in every of B.C.’s most talked-about races–and let me inform you, it greater than lives as much as the hype. Over three epic days, this race delivers the sort of journey that makes your legs burn and your soul sing. Right here’s why the Golden Extremely shines so shiny—and why you’ll wish to add it to your 2025 race calendar ASAP (however hurry, it sells out quick!).
One thing for everybody
In the event you’re contemplating making the leap to ultra-distance, a stage race just like the Golden Extremely is perhaps the proper option to dip your toe in safely. Stage races unfold over a number of days supply a mixture of terrain that pushes you outdoors your consolation zone. Plus, many occasions (together with this one) allow you to join single levels for those who’re not able to decide to the total race. There’s really one thing for everybody—proper right down to the little ones, with a child’s race occurring every day.
The Golden Extremely’s three levels (fittingly named Blood, Sweat and Tears) are unfold over three days. Runners can select to tackle all three levels by signing up for both the Half Pint (shorter distances) or the Full Pint. The Full Pint challenges contributors with a 5 km climb, a 60 km extremely and a 23 km run (on successive days), whereas the Half Pint includes a 3 km climb, a 30 km run and a 13 km run. I signed up for the Half Pint on the primary two days, then determined to deal with the longer distance on the ultimate day, and whereas my legs felt examined, every race felt manageable and had all of the finish-line feels.
A 3-day-long path celebration
Regardless of the occasion kicking off with threatening climate, every day the vitality firstly line was electrical. Race director and pleasure guru Kevin “Houda” McDonald gave the impression to be all over the place, hyping up the nervous runners as they ready to deal with a steep climb. For the 3K distance, contributors received to experience a chairlift midway up, ending on the identical level because the 5K group.
Julien Lachance, an elite runner from Mont-St-Anne, Que., described the race—notably levels one and two—as “an actual Rockies path race.” Lachance earned a spot on the rostrum, ending third general within the elite class. “Golden Extremely is exclusive in its ambiance and the straightforward option to make new associates. It’s a great way to find the mountains and trails round Golden,” he mentioned.
Submit-race, all runners loved a improbable meal (with vegan and gluten-free choices), adopted by a security briefing, a run-down on the following day’s race course, and–better of all–a video synopsis of that day’s occasion. Runners loved recognizing themselves through the slide present and felt able to deal with the following day’s journey.
Gorgeous trails
Golden and its environment boast a number of the most breathtaking trails in Canada, and the view on the prime of day one’s brutal climb made each burning muscle—calves, quads and the whole lot else—utterly price it. However that was only the start. Every race took us via jaw-dropping forests and delivered unbelievable mountain views–even with slightly mist, rain and snow within the combine. With an ideal stability of difficult climbs and easy, cruisy grime paths, day by day introduced a contemporary problem. As Lachance put it, “The number of the paths provides everybody the prospect to push their limits and expertise new expertise and talents.”
Registration for the 2025 version of the race opens on Nov. 13. To be taught extra concerning the race, take a look at their web site, right here.
