10K also brings related events, including longstanding veterans’ tribute tradition

By Brenden Pachniak

It’s time to lock in Memorial Day weekend plans with a trip to Boulder for the wildly popular race known as the Bolder Boulder.

Among the weekend experiences are Monday’s 10k run and a tribute to veterans.

Participants and spectators alike can show up Saturday and Sunday for the Sports Exhibit, which includes race sign-up, packet pickups, and several vendors.

The Sports Exhibit takes place along Pearl Street. Look for vendors offering a variety of gear and services for testing and purchase. Also, expect a selection of food and drinks along the Pearl Street Mall.

The Race Day Expo will take place after the race on Monday, May 27. Vendors will be set up just south of Folsom Field, where runners will finish the race in front of a large crowd. Vendors include:

Amperstand Coffee Roasters: A local Boulder coffee shop that offers ethically sourced organic coffee.

Avery Brewery: A local brewery that has a rotating menu with 30 beer choices on tap.

Mile Hi Sweets and Treats: A Denver-based candy store with freeze-dried candy and snacks.

Peak State Coffee: A local shop that offers coffee and tea products with healthy benefits for brain function, stress balance and more.

There are other vendors specific to fitness, running and recovery. Some of those include: Honey Stinger, a runner's fueling company; Denver Sports Massage, a Denver company focused on recovery and preventive injury services; and Ascent Protein in Denver, which provides healthier products for people to get the nutrients they need. These are just a few of the companies that will showcase their wares.

The Bolder Boulder is one of the biggest and best 10ks in the U.S. The race ranked 4th in participation numbers in 2023, only behind the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon and the AJC Peachtree 10K Road Race in Atlanta. Last year’s Bolder Boulder had 35,007 participants, and there is no cap.

Runners Roost and Nike are the official partners of the race. Runners Roost is a long-standing Colorado brand. Paired with Nike, the pair bring more credibility to the race and bring value to the participants as well, said Alice Swanson, director of sponsorships. The race is a unique experience in itself. The course includes entertainment like bands and belly dancers, as well as a grand finish at the 100-year-old Folsom Field, home of Colorado Buffaloes.

“Very few people get to finish any kind of run - unless you’re at an Olympic status - in front of 40,000 to 50,000 people,” Swanson said.

Spectators at Folsom also can view the International Pro Team Challenge, which features world-class runners from across the globe.

Many people attend the event for the Memorial Day tribute in which veterans are honored. Each year a few specific veterans have their story shared as part of the ceremony. The ceremony will be held in Folsom Field at noon. The tribute has grown to be one of the largest Memorial Day gatherings in the region and features skydivers carrying flags representing each branch of the military.

Brenden Pachniak is a multimedia journalist who graduates in May 2024 from MSU Denver’s Department of Journalism and Media Productions. He will also graduate with a minor in digital marketing. Brenden has a comprehensive skill set that spans across podcasting, writing, video production, editing and marketing. See his portfolio here.