On Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, roughly 50,000 runners will line up on Boulder's 30th Street for the 44th running of the Bolder Boulder 10K, finishing with a victory lap inside Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus. Since its debut in 1979, the race has grown from a local fun run into one of the largest and most celebrated road races in the United States—combining elite competition, community spectacle, and an unmistakable Colorado party atmosphere.
Whether you're chasing a personal record, walking with family, or just here for the Slip 'n Slide, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Makes the Bolder Boulder Distinctive
The Bolder Boulder isn't just big—it's deliberately unconventional. The point-to-point course winds through Boulder's residential neighborhoods, where locals turn their front yards into themed aid stations, live music stages, and costume parties. Expect to pass a belly flop contest, multiple garage bands, and yes, an infamous Slip 'n Slide on Walnut Street that has become a rite of passage for overheated runners.
The finish inside Folsom Field is equally iconic. After 6.2 miles, participants enter the stadium to complete a final lap on the track while thousands of spectators cheer from the stands. It's part race, part parade, and entirely Boulder.
Essential Race-Day Details
Start Time and Location
The race begins at 7:00 a.m. MT on 30th Street between Walnut and Arapahoe, not at Folsom Field. The finish, however, is inside the stadium on the CU campus. Plan your morning around this point-to-point layout.
Wave Starts and Corrals
Runners are assigned to waves based on estimated finish time, with the first elite wave departing at 7:00 a.m. and subsequent waves leaving every few minutes through late morning. Wave assignments are printed on your bib. If you're aiming for a competitive time, you'll need to submit a verified result to qualify for earlier waves. Walkers and recreational runners are welcome in later waves.
Registration and Deadlines
Online registration remains open through race weekend, though prices increase as the event approaches. Race-day registration is available at the Bolder Boulder Expo at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, but arrive with extra time—lines are longest on Memorial Day morning. Register at bolderboulder.com.
Packet Pickup
Bib and shirt pickup runs Friday through Sunday before the race at the Expo. Hours typically span late morning to early evening. Packet pickup on race morning is available near the start area, but again, expect crowds.
Getting There: Parking, Shuttles, and Transportation
Because the start and finish are two miles apart, logistics require some planning.
- Parking near the start (30th Street): Limited street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods, but restrictions apply. Arrive before 6:00 a.m. if you hope to park within easy walking distance.
- Parking near Folsom Field: Several CU lots open for paid parking. This is often the better option for spectators or for runners who don't mind taking a shuttle to the start.
- Free shuttles: The Bolder Boulder operates shuttle buses between the finish area and the start line beginning around 5:30 a.m. Many experienced runners park at Folsom Field and shuttle to 30th Street, then celebrate at the finish without needing to relocate their car.
- Biking and rideshare: Boulder's bike path network makes cycling to the start practical for locals. Rideshare drop-offs are permitted on designated streets near the start village.
Spectator Tips
If you're cheering rather than running:
- Arrive early to claim a spot along the course or inside Folsom Field.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and layers. Boulder's morning temperatures can swing from the 50s to the 80s by midday.
- Track runners using the official Bolder Boulder mobile app, which offers live tracking and estimated finish alerts.
- Best viewing spots: The Slip 'n Slide on Walnut Street, the Hill section near CU's campus, and anywhere inside Folsom Field for the stadium finish.
Pro Racers Take Center Stage
This year's pro race features a team of CU Buffs alumni competing in the invitational elite wave. While the full roster will be confirmed at the technical meeting, the group includes athletes with NCAA championship credentials and professional contracts on the roads and track. Their presence adds local intrigue to an already deep elite field.
The Bolder Boulder has long hosted an international pro race, with athletes from more than 30 countries typically toed the line. Past champions include Olympians
