2008 Colorado Runner Race Of The Year

The Bolder Boulder 10K tops our list of Colorado’s best races in the past year.

The Bolder Boulder 10K has become an institution in the state of Colorado. It is a right of passage for all runners. After 30 years, this Memorial Day Extravaganza has taken on a life of it’s own. Featuring more than 50,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes, the race also attracts professional athletes from around the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing. Following a 6.2 mile course through the streets and neighborhoods of Boulder, race participants are cheered on by an estimated 100,000 people and 29 bands. The race concludes with a spectacular lap around the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field.

The race began three decades ago. In 1979, Steve Bosley, president of the Bank of Boulder, at the suggestion of Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter, decided to host a road race in Boulder. More than 2,700 runners registered, making it one of the largest first-time races in Colorado. Since that first race, it has grown to be one of the largest races in the world, with more than 54,000 people finishing in 2008. The Boulder Chamber of Commerce and the University of Colorado estimate the total economic impact of the race to the city of Boulder to be approximately $10 million each year.

Along the way, the Bolder Boulder has been at the forefront of race management. In 1984, they instituted the wave start and ran a separate pro race. In 1990, a professional wheelchair race was added. In 1991, the Bolder Boulder hosted both the men’s and women’s 10K national championship, becoming the first event to ever host both at the same time. In 1997, the International Team Competition was introduced, bringing 26 countries to the race.

Not only is the Bolder Boulder one of the largest races in the world, it also boats the largest Memorial Day celebration in the United States. After runners finish in Folsom Field, they witness a presentation of the nation’s colors, a 21-gun salute, paratroopers leaping from the sky, a flyover by four U.S. Military jets, an honoring of a Medal of Honor winner, a recognition of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. The tribute ends with the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of the International Team Challenge.

The International Team Challenge began in 1998 and is the largest international road racing team competition held annually in the United States. International teams are made up of three runners per gender and monies are awarded in the team and individual categories. The 2008 Prize Purse, before bonuses was $110,600. In 2008, the International Team Challenge was changed back to the citizen race course, allowing everyday runners to compare their time with those of the pros.

You don’t have to be a professional to win an award. The top 15 male and female runners in each age category win a special award. Age categories include every single year increments for ages 6 and higher. All participants who can run faster in minutes than their age in years earns a special award. The most impressive margin winners among men and women earn an engraved pocket watch.

2007 winner: Garden of the Gods 10 Mile
2006 winner: Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon
2005 winner: Pikes Peak Marathon