“Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden, where the west RUNS!”

Lace up them runnin’ shoes and join us as we celebrate the 20th Annual Golden Gallop!

 

The Golden Gallop rides into town on Sunday, September 20, 2026 - and you won’t want to miss the 20th on the 20th!

 

Golden’s biggest annual run is hittin’ the trail for its 20th year, and we’re mighty proud to keep the tradition runnin’ strong. We can’t wait to welcome folks back to our same great course through downtown, passin’ under the iconic Golden “Welcome” arch, with both the start and finish at Golden High School.

 

This year’s Golden Gallop will once again lead runners along our tried-and-true 5K and 10K loops, just like in years past - scenic, spirited, and full of hometown charm. So lace up, find your pace, and come celebrate 20 golden years on the run—it’s gonna be one heck of a Gallop!

 

This year’s Golden Gallop is packed with brand-new excitement, includin’:

🌟 NEW event: the 20K Challenge

👕 NEW long-sleeve sports performance tee—perfect for race day and beyond

🛍️ NEW store items to show off your Gallop pride

🍝 Spaghetti Dinner hosted at the Golden Hotel 

→Register Today

 

Plus, we’ll be tippin’ our hats with special recognition for the number of Golden Gallops you’ve run, addin’ fresh excitement all along the course, and introducin’ new sponsorship levels.

 

Choose from these FOUR events:

• 5K

• 10K

• Kids Fun Run

• 20K Challenge - this year only! (only the 10K will be completed and timed on race day)

• Sleep In - For those that can't make it on race day or just want to sleep in

 

The Golden Gallop is again welcoming well behaved DOGS this year to the 5K and 10K!! 

• Register your dog in the "Add On" section if your dog is joining you this year.

• Registered dogs will receive a Golden Gallop bandana that will be included in your race packet.

• Dogs can NOT participate in the Kids Fun Run.

• Runners with dogs and/or strollers must be at the back of the pack of racers at the starting line. 

Other Important Info:

• Packet Pick Up information available here

• We are offering $150 first place; $100 second place; $50 for third place. These amounts will be for both the male and female for both the 10K and the 5K (total of 12 cash awards).

• Age group awards will also be given out - Age group categories for both the 5K & 10K are as follows (M/F for all age groups: 10 and Under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80+)

• In addition, anyone who sets a new course record will receive a $100 bonus.

• We can not guarantee t-shirt size availability as we get closer to the race day (register by September 1st to guarantee t-shirt size).

 

The Golden Gallop is made possible due to our strong local sponsors. Here is more information if you are interested in supporting schools as a Golden Gallop sponsor! 

 

The 2026 20th Annual Golden Gallop is sure to be a one-of-a-kind race in a one-of-a-kind town! Be there, where the west runs!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Follow us on Facebook (TheGoldenGallop) and Instagram (thegoldengallop)

__________________________________________________________________________________
 

The Golden Gallop is the annual fundraiser for the Golden Schools Foundation (GSF) which provides educational funding for our seven Golden neighborhood articulation schools. GSF is a 501(c)(3) formed to help encourage a high level of performance and accountability at the Golden neighborhood articulation schools. The Golden Gallop helps make it possible to provide  $50,000 in support to our Golden schools on an annual basis.

Please click on one of the following links to find the 2025 Golden Gallop photos.

 

Race Start/Finish

 

Under the "Welcome to Golden" Arch

 

Thanks for another great year! Hope to see you at the 2026 20th Annual Golden Gallop!

Vision
The Golden Schools Foundation (GSF) has a vision to provide the students of Golden articulation schools with an educational environment where they will thrive and reach maximum potential. As an independent non-profit, we will raise and distribute funds in a responsible and ethical manner in order to foster excellence in educational opportunities. We will act as a partner with school administration, PTAs, parents, governmental agencies and businesses to encourage a cohesive approach to education where every member of the community is invested in our schools.

History
GSF is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) formed by concerned parents and citizens of the Golden, Colorado community in 2010. This group came together to help encourage a high level of performance and accountability at Golden’s neighborhood articulation schools – Kyffin, Mitchell, Shelton, Ralston and Welchester Elementary Schools, Bell Middle School and Golden High School. As an independent non-profit, we will raise and distribute funds in a responsible and ethical manner in order to foster excellence in educational opportunities.

Mission
Our mission is to ensure Golden neighborhood articulation schools offer our children an outstanding education. We work in partnership with Golden schools, public education stakeholders and our community to promote improvements in student achievements and teaching excellence through collaboration, innovation and strategic investment.

Programs
The Golden Gallop is our biggest annual fundraiser which allows us to sustain our five key programs: Enrichment Grants, Teaching Excellence, Teacher Recognition Awards, Summer Academic Camps, Mental Health and Wellness and College Scholarships. Without the generous support of our community and avid runners, the work of GSF would not be possible.

For More Information…
Go to our website at www.goldenschoolsfoundation.org

General

When and where, and what time are the races?

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Where: Golden High School, 701 24th St, Golden, CO,  80401

When: 10K Start 7:45 AM

             5K Start: 8 AM

             Kids Fun Run: 10:15 (After 5K and 10K Awards)

 

Can I walk?

Yes. You can walk the courses but it must be at a 20 mph minute pace (after the last person crossing the start line), due to permit security and safety reasons.  

 

Are there water stations on the course?

Yes.  Water Stations will be located 11th and Illinois St for both the 5K and 10K.  The 10K will also have a 2nd Water Station on Illinois St and near Fossil Trace Trail.

 

Are strollers allowed on the course?

Yes.  Strollers are permitted for both the 5K and 10K races.  Strollers are requested to start at the back of the pack to allow for the serious racers to have an easier start.

 

Are Dogs allowed on the course?

Yes. Well behaved dogs are welcome to participate.  Racers with dogs please start at the back of the pack to allow the serious racers to have an easier start. Dogs are not permitted on the Golden High School Football Field.  Please be considerate and clean up your dog.  Poop bags will be available if you forget.

 

Is there a Sleep in option?

We want everyone to have the opportunity to be part of the Golden Gallop and support the Golden School Foundation. You can register for the Sleep-in option HERE.

 

Is there a Bag Drop?

No.  Parking is at the GHS parking lot so please plan accordingly.  Any clothing left at the start or on the course will be donated or thrown away.

 

Are refunds or deferrals provided?

The Golden Gallop is an annual fundraiser organized by the Golden Schools Foundation in support of our Golden articulation area schools. Due to this being a charity event, we do not offer refunds.

 

Race Day Parking

Where should I park?

Parking is available at the Golden High School and surrounding area (East of Arapahoe).

 

Course Map, and Closure Information

Here is the Course Map and Info.:

 

 

Timed Results

Is the race timed?

Yes. Timing chips will be located on your race bib.

 

Where can I find results?

You can find race results HERE.

 

Awards and Cash Prize

Are there Cash Awards?

Yes. We are offering $150 first place; $100 second place; $50 for third place. These amounts will be for both the male and female for both the 10K and the 5K (total of 12 cash awards). In addition, anyone who sets a new course record will receive a $100 bonus. Age group awards will also be given out for top male & female finishers.

The link for course records is HERE.

 

Are there Age Group Awards?

Yes for the top 3 finishers in each age group.  Here are the age groups for both 5K & 10K:

M/F for all age groups (10 and Under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80+)

 

Are there finisher medals?

Only for the Kids Fun Run.

 

Packet Up Pick-Up

Where is Packet Pickup & What Time?

Saturday, September 20th - Packet pickup will take place at Runners Roost located at 2120 Ford Street, Golden, CO from 10am - 4pm or

Sunday (race day), September 21st - pick up your packet at Golden High School beginning at 7 a.m. until the start of race

 

Can I exchange my shirt size?

If there are shirts left over on race day after the Kids Fun Run is completed.

 

Registration

Can I register now?

Yes.  You can register online HERE.

Registration will also be available at the Golden Runners Roost on Saturday, September 20th, 10am-4pm.

Registration is also available starting Race Day at 7:00am until the start of the race.

 

Can I register On-Site Race Day?

Yes. Please go to the Race Day Registration que at Golden High School or you can register online until the race starts.

 

Can I confirm my registration?

Registration confirmation will be emailed to you upon completion.

 

Volunteer

Can I Volunteer for the races?

Yes.  The link to volunteer is HERE.

 

Sponsor

Can I become a Sponsor?

Yes.  Click the link to become a sponsor HERE.

 

The Golden Gallop Kids Fun Run is also held on

Sunday, September 20th. 

 

This race is dedicated to our community of active youth, ages 2-10. This non-competitive, non-timed event is ALL about having fun and making it to the finish line! 

The Kid’s Fun Run is $25 (until September 19th) and $30 (on race day).

Registration includes:

• Kid’s Fun Run Bib
• Medal for all Kid's Fun Run participants
• Kid's Fun Run T-shirt (available only in youth sizes)

Kid’s Race Course

The Kid’s Fun Run course will start and finish entirely on the Golden High School track.

NO DOGS ALLOWED IN KIDS FUN RUN

Kid’s Fun Run Schedule

Estimated 10:00 Start with the kids going off in waves based on age (youngest to oldest)

NOTE: Kid's Fun Run will not start until 5K/10K race awards are completed.

• Buckaroos(Ages 2-4): Buckaroos will run one lap around the GHS track (1/4 mile). 
• Ponies (Ages 5-7):  Ponies will run two laps around the GHS track (1/2 mile).
• Stallions (Ages 8-10):  Stallions will run four laps around the GHS track (1 mile).

Parents are encouraged to cheer the kids on from either the center or outside of the track.  Please stay off the actual track.

 

Packet Pickup

 

Saturday, September 19th - Packet pickup will take place at Runners Roost  located at 2120 Ford Street, Golden, CO from 10am - 4pm

 

Sunday (race day), September 20th - pick up your packet at Golden High School beginning at 7 a.m. until the start of race

 

We can not guarantee t-shirt size availability as we get closer to the race dates (register by August 31st to guarantee t-shirt size).

 

SHOW THE FOLKS AT RUNNERS ROOST YOUR EMAIL REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION AND RECEIVE 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!!

 

Golden Gallop 5K/10K and Kids Fun Run

The 2025 Golden Gallop was a huge success! A big thank you to our 2025 sponsors, participants, volunteers, and the Golden community.

View 2025 photos: Start/Finish & Under The Arch

 

Course Records

5K Female: Kaitlyn Barthell 17:55 (2023)    5K Male: John O'Malley 15:25 (2024)  
10K Female: Hannah Campbell 37:43 (2023)   10K Male: Ryder Searle 31:18 (2023)

NOTE: The Golden Gallop course start / end point moved in 2021 to Golden High School. Current course records reflect that change.

 

2025 Course Winners

5K Female: Zoe Piala 21:56       5K Male: Shawn Lindbom 16:33    
10K Female: Alicia Grove 40:21        10K Male: Mark Messmer 32:31

 

2024 Course Winners

       5K Female: Molly Maksin 18:09       5K Male: John O'Malley 15:25   
10K Female: Rebecca Barney 42:53        10K Male: Samuel Delgado 38:29

 

2023 Course Winners

       5K Female: Kaitlyn Barthell 17:55       5K Male: Shawn Lindbom 15:47   
10K Female: Hannah Campbell 37:43        10K Male: Ryder Searle 31:18

 

2022 Course Winners

5K Female: Noelle Green 20:26     5K Male: Adam Rich 15:49   
10K Female: Chloe Colligan 39:02     10K Male: Ben Schneiderman 33:04

2021 Course Winners

5K Female: Carly Forte 21:29     5K Male: Adam Rich 15:51   
10K Female: Jayme Brindle 44:45     10K Male: Andy Blatecky 40:30

2020

Virtual Race - No Official Results

2019 Course Winners

5K 1st Place Female: Karley Rempel 17:38  2nd Place Female: Reese Tucker 19:13  3rd Place Female: Madeline Herring 22:25

5K 1st Place Male (Times Unavailable): Mark Husted  2nd Place Male: Andy Wacker  3rd Place Male: Shawn Lindbom

10K 1st Place Female: Kristen Arendt 37:59 2nd Place Female: Gabrielle Glime 41:01 3rd Place Female: Jayme Brindle 44:46

10K 1st Place Male: Kurt Roeser 32:17  2nd Place Male: Jackson Friesth 32:48  3rd Place Male: Lex Williams 36:14

2018 Course Winners

5K 1st Place Female: Brianne Nelson 17:44  2nd Place Female: Ruth Senior 18:39  3rd Place Female: Karley Rempel 19:14

5K 1st Place Male: Tesfaalem Mehari 15:34  2nd Place Male: Andy Wacker 15:41 3rd Place Male: Mark Husted 16:06

10K 1st Place Female: Jenny Sanderson 39:42  2nd Place Female: Monica Folts 40:30 3rd Place Female: Jordyn Schwartz 46:00

10K 1st Place Male: Azarya Weldermariam 32:43 2nd Place Male: Nick Bandy 35:14 3rd Place Male: Brian Folts 35:21

2017 Course Winners

5K 1st Place Female: Lanie Szuch 18:34   2nd Place Female: Brooke Kish 19:19   3rd Place Female: Lily Mourer 21:02

5K 1st Place Male: Kurt Roser 15:59  2nd Place Male: Dylan Jennings 17:21  3rd Place Male:  Alex Coronado 18:23

10K 1st Place Female: Jenny Sanderson 38:35  2nd Place Female:  Monica Folts 39:09  3rd Place Female: Alana Vaughn-Phillips 47:17

10K 1st Place Male: Scott Spillman 35:00  2nd Place Male:  Brian Folts 35:34  3rd Place Male: Matt Chu 38:50

2016 Course Winners

5K 1st Place Female: Karley Rempel 17:30   2nd Place Female: Kristen Arendt 17:50   3rd Place Female: Stephanie Brown 18:05

5K 1st Place Male: Andy Wacker 15:25   2nd Place Male: Cristian Soratos 15:45   3rd Place Male: Martin Medina 16:16

10K 1st Place Female: Jayme Brindle 41:43   2nd Place Female: Erin Cunningham Ritter: 41:58   3rd Place Female: Tara McFarlin 42:27

10K 1st Place Male: Kurt Roeser 32:37   2nd Place Male: Scott Spillman 33: 45   3rd Place Male: Matthew Kempton 35:43

 

Race Day Schedule: Sunday, Sept 20

7:00 AM: Race Day Packet Pickup opens at Golden High School
7:45 AM: 10K & 20K Races Start (only 10K of the 20K will be completed on race day)
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: 5K Race Start (Rolling start immediately following the 10K)
10:00 AM: Kids Fun Run (Starts after 5K/10K awards; waves organized by age)

Packet Pickup: Avoid the race-day lines and grab your gear early!

Saturday, Sept 19 (10 AM – 4 PM): Runners Roost @ 2120 Ford Street, Golden, CO
Sunday, Sept 20 (Starting at 7 AM): Golden High School (Race Start)
Note: We cannot guarantee t-shirt sizes the closer we get to race day.

Course & Participant Info

The Golden Gallop starts and finishes under the Start/Finish Line Arch at Golden High School. The 5K and 10K loops take you through the heart of downtown Golden.

Walkers & Strollers: Everyone is welcome! If you are walking or using a jogging stroller, please start at the back of the pack for safety.
Dogs: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome! Please start at the back of the pack with your furry runner.
Maps: Download the Course Map PDF

 

 

Awards & Cash Prizes

We are giving away 12 cash awards for top finishers in the 5K and 10K (Male & Female categories):

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50
Course Record Bonus: $100 for any runner who sets a new record!
Age Group Awards: Ribbons/prizes for top male and female finishers in specific age brackets.
 

Kids Fun Run

Cost: $25 (Increases to $30 on race day)
Includes: Kids' size t-shirt and a finisher medal!
Format: Runners go off in waves from youngest to oldest.
Note: No timing chips for the Fun Run.
 

Parking & Sustainability

Help us keep Golden green! We encourage participants to carpool, bike, or walk to the event. 

Primary Parking: Golden High School lot (Enter at the Jackson St/S Golden Road roundabout).
Overflow: Available on side streets.
Pro Tip: Avoid parking or driving on 24th Street to keep the course clear for runners.

 

 

Sponsor the 2026 20th Annual Golden Gallop

 

Click here for more information and to SPONSOR THE GALLOP!

 

For more information, please contact: Kim Brock at kimberbrock@hotmail.com

 

Be sure to check out the 20th Annual Sponsorship Opportunities new this year!

 

WHY SPONSOR THE GOLDEN GALLOP?

With proceeds benefiting all of the Golden Schools Foundation (GSF) key programs, your support directly impacts the growth of our school funding through programs like Enrichment Grants, Student Academic Summer Boot Camps, Tish Agos Credit Recovery and our College Scholarship Program. The needs of the schools will also be compounded by the anticipated state budget cuts to education. We couldn't provide these programs without the help of our Sponsors.

 

District budget cuts are putting increased pressure on our neighborhood schools. Your donation to GSF helps fill critical gaps.

 

We can work together to promote improvements in student achievement and teaching excellence

 

THANK YOU!

 

The 2026 Volunteer Signup is Coming Soon!

 

With nearly 1,000 participants expected, the Golden Gallop could not exist without volunteers. When you volunteer for the Golden Gallop, you get a chance to serve the community and have lots of fun doing it!

Grab some family members and friends then sign up. There are various positions and time commitments available so whether it’s as a course marshal, registration assistant, or set up / clean up crew, there is a position that is guaranteed to fit your needs and deliver some fun. Plus you will receive a really cool Golden Gallop Volunteer T-shirt!

 

If you are interested in signing up to be a volunteer, please check back soon!

 

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteersgg@gmail.com if you have any questions.

 Download the pdf of the course map at the bottom of the "Race Day Info" page

5K: T-Shirt

10K: T-Shirt

20K Challenge - ONLY 10K completed on race day, remaining 10K done virtually: T-Shirt

Kids Fun Run - Kids 10 and under only: T-Shirt

Sleep In Option: T-Shirt