The Boulder Road Runners club today announces it is giving the CU cross country, track and field programs a gift of $24,000. This is the largest single gift in club history. The money will kick-start important long-term fundraising by the Boulder Road Runners, as well as immediately benefit CU’s men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams. The gift was presented at the beginning of the Colorado Indoor Invitational at the CU indoor track facility.
Specifically, the purpose of the gift is two-fold: First, CU is a candidate to host the 2024 Pac-12 Track and Field Championships, and will need to update the track facilities at Potts Field to win the bid for this high-profile event. Second, the program is constantly seeking to upgrade and replace equipment on a prioritized list. Part of this gift will be used to replace hurdles for the indoor and outdoor track seasons.
“The Boulder Road Runners sees this as a great opportunity to continue building on its partnership with CU. The CU track and field and cross country programs are essential to the foundation of our running community, both in Boulder and throughout Colorado,” says Todd Straka, Vice President of Boulder Road Runners. “Our club members are passionate about donating time and money to key community partners like CU that are great ambassadors of the sport.”
“The CU Track and Field teams and the Boulder Road Runners have a long, much appreciated, cooperative relationship. This gift is another example of that. As we approach hosting the Pac-12 Championships in 2024, much outside help will be needed. This is just about the exact amount that will replace our 20 years old hurdles. On behalf of the athletes, the coaches, and the department, thank you sincerely,” says CU Head Track and Field Coach Mark Wetmore.
The track and field facility at CU Potts Field is the location of the Boulder Road Runners Summer Track Series, the premier and longest running track meet series in Colorado, at over 30 years. Facility improvements will help the club continue to produce high-quality community events for all ages and abilities to experience track and field, whether they are a youth athlete, a recreational runner, or an aspiring Olympian.
In fact, the $24,000 gift came from the proceeds from the Summer Track Series over the last several years. The fund was built incrementally with the collection of every participants’ fees at the popular community meets.
“Boulder Road Runners members have specifically worked toward making this gift to CU for years. They are thrilled to see their work result in this way,” says John Bridges, the club’s Membership Chair and Volunteer Coordinator. “We are very happy to be able to give funds directly to the CU track and field and cross country programs and athletes.”
The Boulder Road Runners have a long history of giving back and supporting the CU program and its athletes. They have been working with CU since 1979 when the Boulder Road Runners was founded by Rich Castro, a former CU Coach and still current member of BRR. The club prides itself on being home to several other CU running alums.
Over the years, the club has continually supported CU running by volunteering and supplying skilled USATF officials at their indoor, outdoor, and cross country meets, as well as purchasing steeplechase barriers for the track. The club also makes development grants to post-collegiate, under-sponsored athletes, including former CU runners Jenny Simpson and Shalaya Kipp, and most recently Carrie Verdon and Val Constien, who made the Olympic team in Tokyo last summer, and qualified for finals in the steeplechase.
The Boulder Road Runners was formed in 1979 to encourage and promote running, walking, and fitness-related activities for people of all ages and abilities, from the casual recreational runner to the serious competitor. The club is very active in the community, supporting CU running events, and hosting the renowned Summer Track and Field Series. The club is also home to multiple age 40+ Masters racing teams, winning two team national USATF Club Cross Country Championships and five team Colorado USATF Cross Country Championships in 2021. Ideas for new Boulder Road Runner activities are always welcome and the involvement of members is encouraged. Membership helps fund our programs that support our running community.Boulder Road Runners is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.boulderroadrunners.org.