Quick Info
When: Memorial Day morning each year (since 1979). Distance: 10K (6.2 miles). Participants: 50,000+ runners, joggers, walkers. Finish: Folsom Field at CU Boulder. Registration: Opens January, popular waves sell out.
The Bolder Boulder isn't just a race - it's a 6.2-mile party through the streets of Boulder. Every Memorial Day, over 50,000 runners, joggers, and walkers traverse a course lined with live bands, belly dancers, Elvis impersonators, and enthusiastic spectators offering everything from beer to bacon.
The race finishes inside Folsom Field, CU Boulder's football stadium, where runners cross the line to cheering crowds. A Memorial Day tribute honors fallen service members, and elite international runners compete for prize money in the professional race that follows the citizen waves.
Speed doesn't matter for most participants - the experience of running through Boulder's neighborhoods with the Flatirons as backdrop is the point. It's equal parts athletic event, community celebration, and Memorial Day tradition.
The Course
6.2 miles through Boulder neighborhoods on mostly residential streets. The course includes rolling hills - nothing brutal, but you'll notice them. Beautiful scenery with mountain views and tree-lined streets make the miles pass quickly.
The on-course entertainment is legendary. Over 30 bands play along the route, along with slip-n-slides, costume contests, and neighbors hosting front-yard parties. Some aid stations serve watermelon; others offer encouragement and cold spray on hot years.
The finish in Folsom Field is emotional. Running onto a football field with cheering crowds after 6.2 miles hits differently than finishing at a banner in a parking lot. It's designed to make everyone feel like a champion.
Wave System
Participants are assigned to waves based on estimated finish times. Elite waves go first, with casual walkers in later waves. This spreads 50,000 people across several hours and keeps the course from getting too congested.
Popular waves sell out - serious runners and walkers who want prime start times should register early when registration opens in January. Later waves are more relaxed and easier to get into.
Costumes Welcome
Costumes are encouraged and creativity abounds. You'll see running bananas, superheroes, and elaborate group themes. Some people coordinate costumes with friends; others go solo. It's part race, part Halloween in May.
There's no pressure to dress up, but if you do, the crowds will appreciate it. Some of the most memorable moments are seeing creative costumes running past bands and belly dancers.
Memorial Day Tribute
The race is fundamentally a Memorial Day celebration. The ceremony in Folsom Field honors fallen service members, and the timing - running on a day set aside for remembrance - adds meaning to the event. It's festive but respectful, celebration and tribute intertwined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a serious runner?
No - many participants walk. There's no time limit for finishing. The event welcomes everyone from elite runners to casual walkers.
How do I get into a popular wave?
Register early when registration opens in January. Faster estimated times get earlier waves. Later waves still experience everything, just later in the morning.
Is it family-friendly?
Very. Kids run in family waves, strollers are allowed in designated waves, and the course atmosphere is welcoming to all ages. The stadium finish is a shared experience.
What about parking and transportation?
Parking is limited - the race encourages shuttles from Denver and satellite parking lots. RTD runs special buses. Plan transportation early and arrive with plenty of time.