Event Description
The inaugural Xterra Golden Gate Canyon State Park trail run is scheduled for September 24, 2017. This course best exemplifies the spirit of the XTERRA Trail Run offering a 7k and 20K distances.
This event is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. The course is stunning and beautiful, with single track running through alpine meadows, pine forests, and golden aspens during peak fall colors, plus stunning views of the continental divide. Experienced distance runners can opt for the 20K course, beginners can take the 7K challenge.
The 7K trail course will take runners through Aspen shaded trails, Willow, Adler, and Blue Spruce trees with an elevation gain of 980 feet. The 20K course is the longest trail in the park that takes you through undulating hills, open meadow, aspen groves, and dense evergreen forests and offers an elevation gain of 1230 feet.
This Xterra trail run is challenging with altitude beginning at 7720 feet. It will deliver the best surrounding scenic views of the wilderness areas and the Continental Divide.
Event details and schedule
Cup-Free Racing! Surveys shows most runners dislike paper cups at race aid stations. That is why Xterra Trail Run Colorado Series have gone Cup-Free. That means less litter, trash, and waste.
Cup-Free Racing is Easy!
- Bring your favorite personal hydration device. Xterra handheld bottle, hydration belt/flask, or any other refillable container
- Fill it at every aid station
- Drink, it's that easy...
Aid Stations:
We will be sending an email the week of your race with the number of aid stations. All aid stations will have both Gatorade and water, in addition PowerBar Gels will also be available on the course.
We do not have any time limits in place for this trail running event. We do encourage anyone planning to walk the entire course to avoid participating in the longest distance of the day. This September race is held in high hunting season and we need to leave the park by 1pm. That being said, you are certainly able to walk during an event if you need to. There will always be an XTERRA team member waiting until the last runner is off the course.
Parking and Shuttle Service:
There are 75 automotive parking passes sold for $10 each. Our hope and expectations are paid parking participants will be carrying multiple racers/spectators. Paid parking will receive printed permits to park at the race start/finish area (Nott Creek Trail head). The remainder of the racers/spectators will be shuttled every 15 minutes to and from the Gilpin County Fairgrounds Parking Lot (230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, CO 80422) 4 miles west of the park visitor center on Hwy 46.
