Golden Harper

Golden started running as soon as he left crawling and has never looked back.

Between the ages of 10 and 14, Golden ran 5 marathons, debuting with a State Record 3:08 performance.  He followed that up with a 2:57 performance that was good for a National Best for age 11.  At age12, he ran the St. George Marathon in 2:45:34, setting a world best. He went on to win two Cross Country State Championships.  He beat Ryan Hall to make it to the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships & broke the previous National Record for the 5k in Cross Country that day, but was beaten by the likes of Dathan Ritzenhein, Matt Tegenkamp, Ian Dobson, Josh Rohatinsky, and Alan Webb.   His Senior year of college, Golden came close to going undefeated at collegiate distance Cross Country races.

Golden has always been an avid mountain runner, and has recorded top finishes in many mountain races in the Rockies, including winning his debut 50 mile race by nearly an hour against a competitive field of sponsored athletes.

In addition to competitive running, Golden grew up working in his family’s specialty running store, educating people about proper running technique and becoming an expert on running injuries.  His 20 years of working (& nearly 10 years of management) at a running store are a huge asset.

Golden studied Exercise Science at two Universities, where he was particularly focused on biomechanics, kinematics, and coaching.  During this time, he wrote several research articles on running-related injuries and running technique.

With the knowledge of proper biomechanics and a passion for reducing running injuries, he developed the first cushioned Zero Drop™ running shoes after appeals to major shoe companies fell on deaf ears. Golden’s running experience and commitment to helping people run better were a driving force in the creation of Altra.

• Education

o   Graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness with a Business Management emphasis

o   1^st Team All-Conference in Cross Country

o   Academic All-American in Cross Country

• Work History

o   Runner’s Corner – Buyer and General Manager (1991-2011)

o   Creator and Founder of Altra (2009-Present)

• Personal Bests

o   Mountain 50 Miler – 9:12, Alpine to Slick Rock

o   Marathon – 2:44:53, St. George Marathon (Age 13)

o   Cross Country 10k – 31:04 (At Altitude)

o   Cross Country 8k – 25:06

o   5k – 14:45

o   3200m/2 Mile – 9:09

o   1600m/Mile – 4:19

• Major Overall Wins

o   2x Cross Country State Titles

o   PacWest Conference Cross Country Championship

o   Jupiter Peak Steeplechase

o   Alpine to Slick Rock 50 Miler

• Family

o   Despite both coming from non-athletic backgrounds & starting to run later in life, Golden’s parents have both achieved the highest levels of running.

o   His father Hawk has finished over 70 marathons, winning several, and posting a personal best of 2:22. He also holds a state record for the Double Marathon.

o   His mother Cheryl held the State Record in the Marathon for 20 years and went to the Olympic Trials 4 times.  She also set a National Best by running a 24:39 8k.

o   Golden’s family has won nearly 20 state titles.  His three Sisters Amber, Krystal, and Summer have all won State Championships in Cross Country.  Krystal and Summer have both won National Championships for USAT&F Cross Country.