On a whim, Rob and I decided to run the Bolder Boulder 10k this Memorial Day. We have heard fun things about the race from a lot of our friends and decided, even if it was raining (as it had been for the past couple weeks), it would be a good time.

Here is what you need to know about the Bolder Boulder, and why you should absolutely run or walk it at some point in your life:

The shenanigans of the spectators – Even if you can’t, or don’t want to, “race” the event, the spectators are having just as much, if not more, fun. Things I saw along the course include

• beer
• bacon
• cupcakes – all three of these things were being passed out to runners
• “Free Tom Brady” passionately shouted from the end of a driveway
• Garage bands out in full force just because it’s a chance to play
• “You do a cartwheel, we drink” sign
• multiple slip and slides for runner cool-off purposes
• hoses for the same purposes

The costumes – I’ve truthfully never dressed up for a race. Usually I am in it to race, and the thought of wearing something I didn’t train in for an entire 3.1-26.2 miles makes me nervous. Hello, chaffing. However, the Bolder Boulder is the perfect place to make a costume debut. Specifically, I saw: teletubbies, spiderman, tutu’s, firemen in full uniform, KISS face paint, and American Gladiators. There was much much more as well!

My Smile shirt from General Mills got me a few shout outs along the course and it was the perfect setting for it!

The organization – With the knowledge that this is a fun race completed with beer and slip and slides, one would assume that the race directors are a bit lax. The complete opposite is true. Everything was so incredibly well-organized and went so smoothly, at least from a participant’s perspective. A few things I was very impressed with:

• Race waves went off every 2ish minutes with volunteers roping off sections and setting them off at the right time
• Fast and efficient day of registration. The line moved very quickly.
• Post-race timing chip drop, snack bag pickup, t-shirt grab, and beer swilling had everyone in corrals and moved quickly and efficiently. Thank you to all the volunteers!
• The post-race expo, while more crowded than I would have liked, had amazing vendors, great swag, and a fun atmosphere.

The community feel – From the vendors, to the other racers, to the spectators, to running into the stadium full of people, to everyone cheering on the armed forces and service men, the community feel is intense and uplifting. Part of the reason I love racing so much is the community vibe, and the Bolder Boulder is the ultimate for that.

The stadium – The finish line is on CU’s Folsom Field and you run in to jumbo trons showing the the finish line, crowds of people in the stands, and just a fun, positive vibe. It truly is a special moment.

The challenge – The race course itself is a challenge. The course is a bit hilly, has lots of turns, and summits just over 5,300 feet, which can get tough if you don’t live at elevation.

My time for the 10k was 54:39, which I am pretty pleased about, especially since my Garmin read 6.32 miles. Weaving in and out of all the people added a little extra mileage and challenge, which I loved.

Next year, I might pick a later, walking wave and participate in all the spectator shenanigans. It would be a different way to experience the race and I’m sure a total blast!

RQ: What is the silliest / most fun race you have ever run? Bolder Boulder…yay or nay?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.