This post is all about the BolderBoulder
Now that I have graduated from college and have more time in my life, I have been trying to find more hobbies. One hobby I have tried is running, specifically, running races.
This year will be my third time running the Bolderboulder. It is a new tradition that I love and look forward to every year.
Here is everything you need to know about the BolderBoulder
What is the BolderBoluder
The BolderBoulder is one of the biggest Memorial Day races out there. On average there are 40,000 runners and 100,000 spectators.
The race itself is a 10K (6.2 miles) that you can run, job, or walk. It is also above sea level giving you an extra challenge.
Pre-race
Getting there and parking
The hardest part of this race is getting to the start and finding a parking spot. This is one of the biggest community events with people coming internationally to participate. It is also in small Boulder, Colorado, meaning parking can be tricky.
Staff highly recommends carpooling or taking public transportation. There are plenty of free and paid lots to park in. But make sure you give yourself enough time to park and walk to the start line.
I recommend getting there at least an hour before your start time.
Start line area
The starting area can get a little chaotic because there are so many people. But the staff and volunteers do a great job of making sure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
It is important to know that the start line is not where you will be finishing. Because of this, you can check any bags or supplies you don’t want to run with and it will be driven to the finish line. Just make sure you purchase your bag pass with your ticket.
There are also pre-race bathroom options, registration tent questions, and staff around to help you.
And of course, people are there to get you excited for your race.
Waves
Since there are almost 40,000 runners, the race is broken up into waves.
When registering for the race, it asks your preference for which wave you want to start in. Choose from timed waves (which you need to qualify for), to running, jogging, and walking. These bigger waves are then broken up into even smaller groups.
The first two letters on your race bib will tell you what wave you start in. And several days before the race they will release your wave start time. This can be as early as 6:55 am to 9:15 am. Faster runners will start first, and the waves will end with walkers.
What to wear
Now we get to the fun stuff. Your outfit! Or should I say costume?
The BolderBoulder encourages everyone to go out and have fun. This means you will be seeing lots of crazy costumes.
I have seen everything from hula dancers to banana costumes, onesies, and extreme superhero costumes. The crazier you dress, the better.
It is important to remember that this race is more about fun and less about competing.
The Race
Just like the costumes, this race is full of crazy stuff.
Almost every corner is filled with activities for you to do. Some of the crazy things I have seen over the years:
- Live music
- Hula dancers
- Waterslides, water toys, and lots of sprinklers
- Pools and trampolines
- Bacon, cotton candy, and other snacks
There are lots of lawn parties and alcoholic drinks for the adults.
This race is meant to be fun, so don’t worry about your time and join in the activities!
Like every race, there are also several water stations and bathrooms if needed.
Post-race
Pictures
Once you cross that finish line, be sure to stop and get your picture taken before moving along. This will be your only time to get a picture at the finish lane.
Snack bag
Your bib comes with a snack bag and beer ticket. After the race, you will walk through a line of volunteers passing out these items. The snack bag is full of treats and snacks to help you refuel post-race. Plus the lunch bag is reusable, meaning you can show it off all year.
Other food options
Of course, there are several other options for food as well. There are usually several food trucks offering hot dogs, pizza, and drinks.
When registering for the race, you can purchase a ticket to use at the vendors post-race. Or you can simply purchase food the day of using a card.
Vendors
Once you get your snacks and are ready to walk around again, head over to the vendor area.
There are booths full of vendors, big and local, for you to browse through. Many of them also give away free goodies such as stickers, or socks.
International racers
The BolderBoulder does have a slight competition to it for international races.
Each year men’s and women’s teams from across the world compete. These races come in last while everyone is sitting in the stadium to cheer them on.
My favorite part of this is seeing how fast these professionals complete the course. Most of them do it in as little as 30 minutes.
The show
The race isn’t over after the international teams come in. Next, it is time for the show.
The show consists of honoring veterans, Memorial Day tributes, and skydivers. This is an incredible thing to watch, and remember what the holiday is about.
Volunteer
Volunteer day of
If running isn’t your thing, then you can volunteer to be a part of the action.
There are so many ways to volunteer such as course martial, set up, security, and various other things.
Most positions gets a cool staff shirt to stand out, and it is something to remember the day by.
Work to run
Entry to the race can add up. But you can volunteer to earn your race entry.
The Saturday before the race, people volunteer to pack the snack bags that will be handed out. Over 40,000 snack bags are packed within 4 hours for the race morning.
But by volunteering you get a free entry to the race. These spots are limited, so it is important to grab one as quickly as possible.
The BolderBoulder is a great time
Don’t be afraid to try this race for your Memorial Day. You will have so much fun. And the nap afterward is also amazing.
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