Renowned as America's All-Time Best 10K by Runner's World Magazine, BOLDERBoulder is set to welcome approximately 50,000 participants to Boulder, Colorado. Held annually on Memorial Day, the event attracts runners from the Denver/Boulder metropolitan area as well as from across the USA and the world.

Last year, American runners Conner Mantz (professional men), Emily Durgin (professional women), Howie Sanborn (professional men's push-rim wheelchair), and Kendall Gretsch (professional women's push-rim wheelchair) achieved a remarkable feat by sweeping the titles in all four professional races, a rare occurrence in the event's history. All eyes are on these reigning champions as they gear up to defend their titles in the upcoming race.

This year's race holds special significance as it serves as a crucial milestone for the men's U.S. Olympic marathon squad, offering them a final tune-up before heading to the Paris Olympics later this summer.

The BOLDERBoulder attracts both regular runners and pro athletes due to its scenic course, incredible organization, fan-friendly setup, community spirit highlighted by its Memorial Day Tribute. The race is also known for its irreverant spirit as it embraces its position in the foothills of the Rockies at an elevation of 5400 feet above sea level with its tag line: "Sea level is for slackers!" The current slogan replaced the prior slogan in use through 2014 - "Sea level is for sissies!" - when the race followed the national trend of political correctness - but, honestly, we like both slogans and the public laps up the apparel to show they have no fear.

Founded in 1979, this iconic race has continually raised the bar every year. In 1981, race co-founder and Olympic Marathon Champion Frank Shorter established the standard for elite-level racing by securing victory. And, with a current prize purse of $196,000, the BOLDERBoulder is one of the most lucrative non-marathon events, attracting some of the world's best runners.

The event's international focus soared in 1998 with the inception of the International Team Challenge, which draws talent from 26 countries to compete for team and individual honors. Each team represents a single country with three team members. The only exception is the USA, who is given 3 teams: the Red, White and Blue teams.

Before the professional men's and women's races begin at 11:15AM, there are an incredible 98 staggered waves of runners beginning at 6:50AM. This makes every runner feel like they're running in a smaller race within the race. After the final wave of runners cross the finish line, the professional runners get ready to compete. Thanks to this race format, the tens of thousands of the runners turn into spectators and fill Folsom Field at the University of Colorado to cheer on the professional runners as they do a lap of the field before reaching the iconic finish.

According to Conner Mantz, the current USA Olympic Trials Marathon champion and current defending champion of the men's professional race, the finish inside a full stadium at Folsom Field is like nothing else in the sport. This unique race format makes the finish thrilling for both spectators and the elite runners.

Past Multi-Year Champions

Men:
• Arturo Barrios (MEX) - (3 wins)
• Birhanu Adane Bazu (ETH) - (2 wins)
• Ridouane Harroufi (MAR) - (2 wins)
• Thomas Osano (KEN) - (2 wins)
• Simon Rono (KEN) - (2 wins)

Women:
• Mamitu Daska (ETH) - (9 wins)
• Rosa Mota (POR) - (7 wins)
• Deena Kastor (USA) - (3 wins)
• Delillah Asiago (KEN) - (2 wins)
• Ellen Hart Peña (USA) - (2 wins)

Other American Champions

Men:
• Leonard Korir (USA) - (1 win)
• Conner Mantz (USA) - (1 win)
• Frank Shorter (USA) - (1 win)

Women:
• Emily Durgin (USA) - (1 win)
• Libbie Hickman (USA) - (1 win)
• Sara Slattery (USA) - (1 win)
• Aliphine Tuliamuk (USA) - (1 win)

The grand finale of BOLDERBoulder - commencing just after the final pro athletes enter the stadium - is its Memorial Day Tribute, the largest Memorial Day celebration in America. It draws up to 70,000 spectators who pack Folsom field. This tribute event features a series of special ceremonies (listed below), honoring the sacrifices of servicemen and women.

• Swearing-in of new recruits and tribute to servicemen: The ceremony includes the solemn swearing-in of new recruits alongside a moving tribute to storied servicemen, honoring their sacrifices and dedication.

• Presentation of nation's colors and flyover: The ceremony continues with a striking presentation of our nation's colors, followed by a flyover performed by the 120th Fighter Squadron from the Colorado Air National Guard.

• 21-gun salute and Taps: A solemn 21-gun salute is conducted by members of the University of Colorado NROTC, accompanied by a special performance of Taps played in honor of Stewart Boone, a WWII veteran dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers.

• Spotlight on remarkable service members: The event annually highlights remarkable service members, including Gold Star Families, Tuskegee Airmen, and Medal of Honor recipients, in a deeply emotional segment that resonates throughout the day's festivities.

• Sky-divers representing all of the Armed Services: A favorite of all of the fans is the sky diving exhibition by the Mile-Hi Skydiving team. Skydiving into Folsom Field would be exciting enough, but for BOLDERBoulder, seven sky divers descend each carrying a massive flag of each of the branches of the armed forces and the USA i) Army, ii) Navy, iii) Air Force, iv) Marines, v) Coast Guard, vi) POW Flag, vii) USA Flag - it is amazing.