Choose your fall trail
October 1–31 · Anywhere in the United States
Pick a local loop, a favorite forest path, or somewhere new. Run, hike, or mix the two. Choose a primarily unpaved route; short paved connectors are fine. Larches are optional.
Golden 6 Hour Virtual
A fall trail day worth sharing.
Run or hike this October, celebrate Gretchen Walla’s Golden Six Hour, and reserve your place in Cielo Running’s 2027 in-person race.
October 1–31, 2026 · Virtual · United States
This October
Celebrate Gretchen’s last season. Join us for what comes next.
Gretchen Walla’s final in-person Golden Six Hour on October 10, 2026 is sold out. This virtual event lets you join the celebration on your own trail and reserve a spot for 2027, when Lauro Silva and Cielo Running take over the race.
Your Golden entry.
2026 virtual event
$30
Your entry includes
- 2027 Golden Six Hour reservation
- 10% off one 2027 Cielo Running race
- 2026 Golden Six Hour sticker
- Two winter postcards
Your outing
Choose the trail. Set your pace.
Make a day of it
One continuous outing · Up to six elapsed hours
Go at your own pace, stop for a snack, and take photos along the way. A shorter outing counts too. For awards, record your activity with GPS and keep the clock running during stops.
Share your outing
Optional awards · Submit by October 31
In your Cielo Running account, add your activity link, distance, elapsed time, and photos for the categories you choose. Submit your entry for review when you’re ready.
The Golden Six Hour story
It started with a trail worth caring for.
In October 2019, Gretchen scouted the Swauk Forest Discovery Loop near Blewett Pass. The larches were turning, but fallen trees and overgrown brush needed attention. She saw a place for a fall gathering and an event that could help care for the trail.
It fit the company she had just started. Walla Trails & Community brought together her years in nonprofit work and trail running: welcoming people, giving back, and leaving room for a little competition.
COVID changed the first plans. In 2020 and 2021, Golden went virtual. Runners and hikers shared fall photos from their own outings. Gretchen also invited participants to support Kittitas Valley Healthcare and local food banks.
The first in-person race followed in 2022. The 2.45-mile loop brought people back together between climbs, with autumn color, warm food, pumpkin pie, and playful outfits becoming part of the day. That is the Golden Six Hour Gretchen is handing to Cielo Running.
The first in-person Golden Six Hour, 2022 · Photos by Ryan Thrower
This year’s event
Dates and awards.
Dates to know
Three ways to enter the awards
Best Golden Six Hour Photo
A photo that captures your Golden Six Hour outing: the people, the trail, the gold, or a moment worth remembering.
Best Fall Colors Photo
The autumn color along your route, from neighborhood trails to mountain larches.
Most Miles on Trail in Six Hours
The greatest trail distance from one continuous activity of six elapsed hours or less. Stops count toward the time limit.
Each award winner receives a Golden Six Hour hoodie and a free entry to the 2027 race. The two winning photo entries become the winter postcards mailed to participants.
A few things to know.
Your 2027 spot
Your place at Golden Six Hour is reserved. The 2027 race fee is paid separately.
Awards are optional
You keep every entry benefit, whether or not you submit an activity for the awards.
Your package
Stickers and postcards mail after judging. Remaining hoodies are offered through a drawing.
Who can join
Runners and hikers age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address are welcome.
The 2026 gallery
Your Golden Six Hour photos.
October outings, shared with permission. Photos appear after review when the photographer opts into the public gallery.
Golden 6 Hour Virtual
Find your fall trail. We’ll see you in 2027.
October 1–31, 2026 · $30 virtual entry
Includes a reserved 2027 spot. The 2027 entry fee is separate.