| Location | Boulder, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Est | 1979 |
| Distance | 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) |
| Participants | ~54,000 |
| Sponsor | FirstBank |
| Record | Men: 27:52 Josephat Machuka (1995) Women: 31:51 Grace Nawowuna (2025) |
| Homepage | Official website |
The Bolder Boulder (styled as BOLDERBoulder and previously BolderBOULDER) is an annual 10-kilometer run in Boulder, Colorado. The 2007 race featured over 54,000[1] runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it the second largest 10k race in the US[2] and the fifth largest road race in the world.[3] It has one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing.[4]
The race culminates at the University of Colorado's Folsom Field with a Memorial Day Tribute with one of the largest Memorial Day gatherings in the United States. Organizers have dedicated three starting waves to current and former members of the U.S. armed forces.
On March 16, 2020, organizers of the Bolder Boulder race initially decided to postpone the race, usually held on Memorial Day, until Labor Day due to COVID-19.[5] On June 1, organizers then decided to cancel the 2020 race entirely.[6]
From 2002-2005, the presenting sponsor of the race was Celestial Seasonings. From 2008-2012, the named sponsor was Dick's Sporting Goods.[7] The 2025 presenting sponsor was Runners Roost.[8]
Many awards are given based on finish times within defined age groups. Among them is the "Ageless Wonder" category, awarded to runners who finish the 10K in less time than their age (Ex. 47-year-old who finishes in 46 minutes).[9][1]
Past winners
Key:
Finisher numbers
| Year | Finishers | Registrants |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | n/a | 2,700 |
| 1980 | 4,324 | 5,280 |
| 1981 | 7,261 | 9,000 |
| 1982 | 11,177 | n/a |
| 1983 | 14,093 | 16,550 |
| 1984 | 15,783 | 17,400 |
| 1985 | 16,826 | n/a |
| 1986 | 17,926 | n/a |
| 1987 | 19,068 | n/a |
| 1988 | 14,943 | n/a |
| 1989 | 19,763 | n/a |
| 1990 | 23,849 | 26,470 |
| 1991 | 28,386 | 31,103 |
| 1992 | 29,530 | 35,080 |
| 1993 | 31,712 | n/a |
| 1994 | 31,816 | 35,750 |
| 1995 | 25,009 | n/a |
| 1996 | 34,495 | n/a |
| 1997 | 34,504 | n/a |
| 1998 | 37,345 | 40,145 |
| 1999 | 39,099 | n/a |
| 2000 | 40,546 | n/a |
| 2001 | 40,743 | n/a |
| 2002 | 42,240 | 45,822 |
| 2003 | 44,613 | 48,242[13] |
| 2004 | 43,772 | 47,454 |
| 2005 | 42,158 | n/a |
| 2006 | 43,388 | n/a |
| 2007 | 43,829 | 50,816 |
| 2008 | 47,794 | n/a |
| 2009 | 47,783 | n/a |
| 2010 | 48,430 | n/a |
| 2011 | 49,201 | 54,544 |
| 2012 | 46,535 | n/a |
| 2013 | 43,434 | n/a |
| 2014 | 45,765 | 52,115 |
| 2015 | 45,107 | n/a |
| 2016 | 44,763 | n/a |
| 2017 | 44,997 | n/a |
| 2018 | 46,170 | 51,051 |
| 2019 | 42,587 | n/a |
| 2020 | cancelled | cancelled |
| 2021 | remote | remote |
| 2022 | 34,224 | n/a |
| 2023 | 34,697 | n/a |
| 2024 | 41,388 | n/a |
| 2025 | 52,185 | n/a |
Entertainment
The Bolder Boulder race course typically features entertainment along the route, supplied by local companies and individuals. Entertainment can include belly dancers, Elvis impersonators,[14] local bands, disc jockeys, and the Bateria Alegria percussion ensemble from the Boulder Samba School.[15] Aside from the performers, there is often a Slip 'N Slide, trampoline and bounce house for race participants to enjoy. In addition to the official water stations provided by race organizers, there are also typically unofficial stations along the route featuring beer, liquor, bacon, cotton candy, and other foods. It is common for lines to form at these stations due to their popularity among the casual race participants. On hot days, locals often provide lawn sprinklers, water guns, and garden hoses to cool down race participants.[16][17][18][19][20]
References
- ^ "Bosley hopes race No. 30 runs smoother : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera". Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ "Largest Races | Running USA". Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2015-09-29.
- ^ "Largest Races | Running USA". Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2015-09-29.
- ^ "SBLI Falmouth Road Race Announces America's Largest Non-Marathon Prize Purse." Archived September 6, 2006 at the Wayback Machine New England Runner, February 14, 2002, retrieved October 1, 2006
- ^ Meyer, John (16 March 2020). "Bolder Boulder postpones to fall; new date to be determined". The Denver Post. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ Meyer, John (1 June 2020). "After postponing, Bolder Boulder decides to officially cancel 2020 race". The Denver Post. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ "ARRS - Race series: Bolder Boulder". more.arrs.run. Retrieved 2021-11-28.
- ^ "Presenting Sponsor Runners Roost - NIKE". BOLDERBoulder 10K. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "BB10K Medals & Awards". BOLDERBoulder 10K. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Bolder Boulder 10 km". www.arrs.run. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ^ "BOLDERBoulder - Past Results". OnlineRaceResults. Online Race Results. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ "Our Historical Milestones". Bolder Boulder. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ "Bosley hopes race No. 30 runs smoother : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera". Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ "Costumes, cartwheels and Jello shots: Bolder Boulder marks return to race traditions". 30 May 2022. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "2013 Bolder Boulder Course Entertainment". 24 May 2013. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "From bacon to bands: Bolder Boulder course filled with entertainment". 26 May 2012. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "Bolder Boulder: It's all about taking the fun in stride". 24 May 2015. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "CU Buffs enjoy race, festivities at Bolder Boulder". 28 May 2018. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "2019 Bolder Boulder draws about 50,000 racers". 27 May 2019. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "At Bolder Boulder, the fun is on the sidelines". 22 May 2019. Retrieved 2025-06-03.