The BolderBOULDER is more than a race \u2014 it’s Boulder’s biggest party of the year, drawing over 50,000 participants through the heart of the city on Memorial Day. The 10K course winds through Boulder’s eclectic neighborhoods, past live bands, costumed cheerleaders, and lawn-side water stations manned by local characters, before culminating in the stadium finish at CU Boulder’s Folsom Field. Runners enter the field to the roar of tens of thousands of spectators and then watch a world-class professional race finale and the signature Memorial Day military tribute ceremony honoring fallen service members.<\/p>\n
Participants run in waves throughout the morning based on projected finish time, so there’s minimal crowding at the start. The course runs at approximately 5,430 feet elevation through central Boulder \u2014 mostly flat with gentle rolling sections \u2014 making it accessible for runners of all abilities. The event holds the distinction of being Runner’s World magazine’s pick for America’s All-Time Best 10K, and it has been recognized as one of the largest Memorial Day tributes in the United States. Avery Brewery is the official beer, and finisher celebrations continue well into the afternoon.<\/p>\n
No race in Colorado \u2014 perhaps in all of America \u2014 creates the atmosphere the BolderBOULDER does on Memorial Day. The combination of incredible community energy, live entertainment every few blocks, a stadium finish with a tribute ceremony, and Boulder’s stunning Flatiron backdrop draws elite athletes and casual participants in equal measure. The race has been held for over 46 consecutive years and shows no sign of slowing down.<\/p>\n
Boulder sits at 5,430 feet, so sea-level runners should arrive a day or two early to acclimate. Parking in Boulder on race morning is extremely limited \u2014 take the Boulder Creek Path bike trail or catch an early shuttle from designated lots. Wave assignments are based on your submitted expected finish time, so be honest to ensure a good experience. Wear layers at the start; May mornings in Boulder can be brisk (40\u201350\u00b0F) but warm quickly by mid-race.<\/p>\n