Boulder, Colorado, renowned for its fitness-focused culture, is gearing up for the annual BOLDERBoulder 10K road race on Memorial Day, May 26. Since 1979, this celebrated event (excluding two years during the pandemic) has drawn locals and visitors alike to the picturesque race course at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Participants in the race will enjoy live music from bands at every mile, the fun of a Slip-n-Slide mid-race, and the excitement of finishing at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field stadium, where a Jumbotron captures every participant’s finish.
The BOLDERBoulder sees over 50,000 runners, primarily competing in the “Citizen’s Race,” which welcomes both casual participants and elite amateurs. Last year, Molly Grabill and Aidan Reed claimed victory in their respective categories and have since earned spots in this year’s professional field for the International Team Challenge—a historic achievement as both winners were invited to compete at a pro level the following year.
The BOLDERBoulder stands out from major marathons like Boston and New York, as the professional race is capped at just three runners per country. The competition, featuring teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, and the United States, aligns with Olympic level racing and promises a thrilling experience as these elite athletes race through the streets of Boulder.
Molly Grabill expressed her excitement about joining the professional ranks, highlighting her impressive finish time of 33:29 last year, which shattered the Citizen’s Race record. Aidan Reed also recorded impressive performances, including a time of 30:02, making it one of the fastest non-professional times on the challenging course.
Both runners have a rich history in competitive racing. Grabill, a former University of Oregon athlete, is also a coach with a recent personal best marathon time of 2:26:46. Reed, who ran for Southern Utah University, recently achieved a sixth-place finish at the USATF 10-Mile Championships and has consistently showcased his prowess in various distance events.
In a testament to their determination, both Grabill and Reed have trained rigorously for this transition into professional racing, especially from the backdrop of their previous successes. Grabill humorously noted the motivation she feels to perform well in the upcoming challenge and the exciting prospect of competing on a team in an intense professional setting.
The BOLDERBoulder experience is further elevated by its community spirit, with thousands cheering for participants as they complete the challenging course, highlighting the event’s reputation as one of the best 10Ks in America.
The 2025 edition of the BOLDERBoulder promises to continue this tradition of camaraderie, competition, and celebration of the sport, bringing together runners and fans in a shared love for fitness and community spirit. As the date draws closer, the anticipation builds for both the Citizen’s race and the intense competition of the pros, making it a highlight of the annual running calendar.