FAQs

Registration

Registration is available online and at the Expo. Last-minute registrations at the Expo will incur an additional fee. There is no race day registration. Our best rates are available online. 

 

Registration fees vary based on:

  • Race entry date
  • Race package
  • Additional merchandise purchased during registration

Please visit the "Register Now" page to see current registration fees.

Funds from runner registration fees are applied towards costs associated with event shirts, finisher medals, and a variety of operational costs such as: official permits, medical support, security, police, infrastructure, race bibs, barricades, hydration, nutrition, equipment and timing services.

We understand things happen. Entries booked prior to 12/31/2023 have a flexible cancellation policy. After 12/31/2023, registrations are non-refundable.

Refunds & Deferrals for prior to 12/31/2023

  • Runners are entitled to a no-questions-asked full refund up to 60 days before the Race Date.
  • No refunds will be granted in the final 2 months preceding the Race Date, except if the following circumstances apply: military transfer, student transfer, visa rejection, pregnancy, or employment transfer. In these cases, a 75% refund will be applied. Please contact us about refunds at support@boulderthon.org.

Registration Transfers - 14 Days Prior to the Race Date

  • A request must be sent no later than two weeks prior to the event by the runner who purchased the registration with the name, address, email, gender and date of birth of the runner taking their place to support@boulderthon.org. A registration transfer processing fee of $25 will be incurred.

Deferrals - 7 Days Prior to the Race Date

  • All deferrals are complimentary. Those who request to defer to the following event year will be provided with a registration link and instructed to register within one week of receiving the deferral link. Upon receiving a confirmation email after registering the deferral, they will be registered for the coming year’s event and it will require no further action. Contact us at support@boulderthon.org to request a deferral.
  • Charity Bibs are NOT eligible for deferral.

Yes, as long as it is at least 14 days prior to Race Day. See above.


Yes, deferrals are complimentary up to 90 days prior to the race. Within 90 days of Race Day and up to and including Race Day, we are happy to process a deferral for any reason if you cannot run, for the following edition, for you for a $30 processing fee.  


If you did not get your confirmation email and would like to confirm that you are registered for the race, please email support@boulderthon.org.


Yes. Please email support@boulderthon.org 14 days prior to Race Day, and we can complete the transfer for you If it is less than 14 days before Race Day, then all event changes must be done in person at the Expo Change Booth. Please keep in mind if you are transferring from the half marathon to the full marathon you will be responsible for paying the additional cost. If you are transferring from the marathon to the half marathon we cannot offer any refunds or credits.

Yes, you may register at the Expo, but not on Race Day morning.


The age limits are ages 9 and older for the Half Marathon and ages 13 and older for the Full Marathon. For your safety, anyone participating in the event must be a registered runner.

We are so excited to offer charity bibs! Register as a charity runner for $69 for the Full or Half. 

As of 8/1 all choose you own charity spots are now full, but we have a limited number of spots remaining to fundraise for our Official Charity Partners, American Cancer Society and First Descents. Visit the Run For Charity Page to learn more.

Let's make a difference together!

Bib Pickup

  • Boulderthon offers Early Bib Pickup (open to all) beginning Saturday, 9/22/24 through Thursday, 9/26/24 at 2pm at all Colorado Fleet Feet locations during their normal hours.
    • Finisher Shirts will not be available at Early Bib Pickup. Participants who pick up their packet at Early Bib Pickup can pick up their race shirt after they complete their race on Sunday 9/29/24.
  • Our Official Expo & Bib Pickup will take place on Pearl St Mall between 14th & 15th, on Friday, 9/27/24, from 2pm-6pm, and Saturday, 9/28/24 from 10am-6pm.

As a registered participant you will receive a final race confirmation sent via email a few days prior to race day. Please have your QR Code from your email ready and a photo ID to the Race Expo to receive your bib.


Although we stress that it is very important that every registered participant pick up their own bib, we do realize that in some cases it is not feasible. If a participant is not able to attend the Race Expo and pick up their bib, they can designate a proxy to do so by presenting a copy of the runner’s photo ID or a copy of the runner’s QR Code. Please df that without one of these documents we will not be able to release the race packet to anyone other than the registered runner.

Race Shirt sizes are not guaranteed; please arrive early for best selection. Race Shirts are not available for pick up at Early Bib Pickup.

 Participants that attend Early Bib Pickup can pick up their Finisher Shirt at Expo or after they have completed their race.

Yes, you may register at Expo, but not on Race Day morning. 


Pre-Race

All races are on Sunday, 9/29/24.

Half/Full Start Time: 7:30am

5k/10k Start Time: 8am

Denver Zoo Kids Run: 8:30am

We recommend flying into Denver International Airport (DIA). Boulder is approximately 45 minutes away and can be reached by bus, taking an Uber, or renting a car.

Boulderthon has secured discounted rates at preferred partner hotels. Please check out our partnered hotels page.


Here are the best places to park for Boulderthon Race Weekend. All races begin Downtown on the east side of the Pearl Street Mall.

All Downtown Boulder Garages are FREE on weekends. All Downtown Boulder Street Parking is FREE on Sundays. Please note, parking is not free in Downtown Boulder on Fridays.


If you are more than 10 minutes late for either your Half or Full Marathon, you will automatically be downgraded to the 10K race. 

If you are more than 10 minutes late to your 10K, you will no longer be eligible to run. This is due to road closure time requirements.


Please note: If late, medal of your completed distance is not guaranteed if you get downgraded, only the distance you registered for.

Yes! Boulderthon is a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ), USATF Sanctioned Event, measured by a Level A USATF Course Measurer, representing the highest level of certification for a marathon race series.

If you achieve your BQ time at the 2024 Boulderthon, this will apply to the 2026 Boston Marathon.


Stay tuned for 2024 race information!

If you're interested in a larger assortment of breakfast items both pre and post race, register as a VIP runner!

Gear Check is now available on Sunday for all distances!

Please do not bring gear to our Packet Pickup on Saturday. 

Due to security reasons we cannot accept gear bags prior to Race Day morning. 

Gear Check is located on 14th Street just north of the Pearl Street Mall. Participants will be provided an official "Clear" plastic bag at this location. Simply tear off the Gear Check tag from your race bib and affix it with the small tie provided. Your official race bib number is also your gear check number. We discourage you from placing valuables in the gear check bags. For security reasons we will not accept backpacks, luggage or any large bags. All personal items must be placed in a clear bag, where contents are visible. No exceptions.

Please do not leave your bag unattended outside the official bag drop area. Bags left unattended may be confiscated due to Homeland Security requirements.

Please claim your gear as soon as possible after you complete the race. Gear can be picked up until  3:00pm on Race Day. After this time, please contact support@boulderthon.org to arrange a pick up.

Items not claimed in one week will be donated to charity.

Yes! Partnering with Eco-Cycle, Boulderthon is proud to be a Zero Waste event. Please do your part to help us exceed our goals. We will have Zero Waste stations set up at our Expo, Finish, Start, and locations on course. Thank you for keeping Boulder green!


This year, Boulderthon features its first-ever Start and Finish Downtown.  Our Start Village is hosted on the Pearl Street Mall, between 13th and 15th. The Start Line is at 19th and Pearl. The Finish is at 14th and Pearl.  Here are the best ways to get to the Start.  See more info on the Getting to the Start page.


1. Take an Uber. Use Designated Uber Drop Off Lanes. Please enter address 1515 Walnut St into Uber (the start of the Drop Off Lanes) to Uber to the Start Village Presented by Uber.


2. Carpool with our partner, Treadshare.


3. FREE Parking! Please reference our FREE Parking Garage Map. Please note, these garages will fill up first and we suggest arriving at least 2 hours prior to the Start. 

Course Basics

Yes! In addition to toilets at the Start & Finish, toilets will be located at every Hydration & Aid Station on course.

Locations are available on our Course Maps.


No, for the safety & security of all our runners and spectators, this is not allowed.

Boulderthon courses are 98% on paved roads and paved multi-use paths. There is a very small packed gravel section of the course.

Boulderthon® is open to all participants of age who are able to finish the marathon in 6 hours, and the half marathon in 6 hours. Participants wishing to complete their event within that timeframe will need to maintain a 13:43 minute/mile or faster pace for the marathon, and 27:29 minute/mile for the half. There will be no early start for runners.

If you plan on participating at a slower pace, please be aware that our permit dictates that the streets that comprise the marathon route are reopened to vehicular traffic at 2pm. On-course support (aid stations) will close at this time.

There are no time limits for Boulderthon’s 5k, 10k or Kids Race.

Yes! BEAST Pacing will be pacing the Boulderthon Full Marathon and Half Marathon. BEAST Pacers will hold pace signs, and they will be located at the start of the Half & Full Marathon. Pace Groups are below:

  • Marathon: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
  • Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:40

Yes, each mile is clearly marked with Feather Flags along the course.


Yes! All races will have Water and Hydration Stations.

See Course Maps for the locations of our Water/Aid Stations.

Yes! Our Official Nutrition partner for the 2024 Boulderthon is The Feed!


Gels

1. SIS Sis Isotonic Gels - Tutti Frutti, Pineapple, Apple, Cherry, Lemon Lime

2. SiS Beta Fuel Gels - Neutral + Strawberry and Lime

3. Enervit C2:1 PRO Carbo Gel - Orange

4. Powerbar Powergel Shots - Cola & Raspberry

5. 6D Sports Nutrition Ultra Gel - Peach & Blackcurrant


Hydration/Electrolytes 

Mortal Hydration - Mango

The elevation of the Start and Finish is approximately 5335’.

The elevation gains for our courses are:

  • Boulderthon 5k: 68 feet
  • Boulderthon 10k: 81 feet
  • Boulderthon Half Marathon: 384 feet
  • Boulderthon Full Marathon: 983 feet
  • Boulderthon Kids Run: 32 feet
  • See our Course Maps for more information.

Yes! A number of highly trained physicians, nurses, physical therapists and other medical personnel will be on hand throughout race weekend.

There will be a number of mobile units moving throughout the course. These units will be staffed by paramedics, EMTs and marathon staff. At the finish, there will be a comprehensive set-up in the runner services area. Ambulances will be stationed at the finish line and throughout the course.

Corrals are self-seeded and not pre-assigned. At the Start, you'll see signs that display pace per mile. Please self-seed & enter the corral with your expected/goal pace per mile.

Course Rules

Yes!

No, for the safety & security of all our runners and spectators, this is not allowed.

Boulderthon® is open to all participants of age who are able to finish the marathon in 6 hours, and the half marathon in 6 hours. Participants wishing to complete their event within that timeframe will need to maintain a 13:43 minute/mile or faster pace for the marathon, and 27:29 minute/mile for the half. There will be no early start for runners.

If you plan on participating at a slower pace, please be aware that our permit dictates that the streets that comprise the marathon route are reopened to vehicular traffic at 2pm. On-course support (aid stations) will close at this time.

There are no time limits for Boulderthon’s 5k, 10k or Kids Race.

Of course! We do ask that you adhere to the time limit rules.


We do not have any restrictions on the use of headphones, phones, or iPods.

We strongly discourage the use for safety reasons. If you make a decision to wear a music-playing device during the race, please keep it at a low level so you can hear special instructions from course officials or emergency vehicles.

We also love our pups, but for safety reasons pets are not allowed on the course at any time. In addition the City of Boulder prohibits pets from being on the Pearl Street Mall.

No, we do not allow any “wheels” on the race course for safety reasons, other than approved wheelchair participants, emergency personnel or race officials . The use of “wheels” will result in a disqualification.

At this time, Boulderthon is not able to offer a para-athlete or wheelchair division due to its course configuration on paths. As our event grows, we hope to be able to add this division in the future. If you have any questions or feedback, please email support@boulderthon.org.


Strollers can add increased liability to an event. Boulderthon has provisionally added the stroller to the 5K in 2024 and asks that stroller runners follow the policy developed to protect all participants.

Stroller Policy

Boulderthon does not expressly prohibit the responsible use of strollers.  In order to keep running events safe for all, participants who choose to run/walk with strollers must adhere to the following rules:

    •    Only 3-wheel strollers designed for jogging/running are permitted during races.

    •    All strollers must start in the back.

    •    Stroller operators must yield the right of way to runners and refrain from weaving through packs of runners.  Yielding the right of way includes, but is not limited to, allowing a clear path for runners by not cutting in on a tangent or a turn.

    •    Stroller operators must keep to the right, except when passing.  Passing must be done in a safe manner, and should be announced (i.e., “passing on the left”).

    •    Stroller operators must keep strollers a safe distance from other runners.

    •    Stroller operators must maintain control of the stroller at all times and may not run/walk hands-free.

    •    Occupants in the stroller must be securely strapped in.  It is recommended that stroller occupants wear protective headgear such as helmets.

    •    Stroller operators must ensure that stroller occupants do not reach for other runners, spectators, volunteers, or objects along the race course.

Failure to adhere to these rules jeopardizes the safety of other runners.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

There is a SAG vehicle that will follow the last runner. All runners who want a ride back to the Finish can wait for the vehicle.


Post-Race

Your official race bib has a timing strip on the back, so do not remove this strip. Once you cross the start line your timing strip activates, and will not stop until you cross the finish line. In addition, we will have various timing mats on the course to capture your progress along the way. Athletes vying for prize money will be judged on gun time, while age group awards will be issued based upon tag (chip) time.


Of course! What race is complete without one? Runners will pick up their Goody Bag, along with water and bananas, after they cross the finish line. 

Of course! All runners receive a Finisher Medal and Finisher Shirt!

The 2021 edition of our medal is here

Our 2024 Finisher Medal will be revealed between March-April 2024!

Please see our Spectator Guide & Cheer Stations for the best places to watch the race.

Unofficial Race Day results will be posted on boulderthon.org as soon as available. Official results are posted to this site as soon as possible following the race.

At any point in the race, friends and family can enter the participant’s name or bib number on the homepage and see progress and results (only available on Sunday). Participants can easily search for live results on race day from our homepage.


Yes, photos will be available for review and purchase on boulderthon.org shortly after the race.

Yes! We have the following awards for the Full and Half Marathon! More information here.

Overall Top 3:

We have monetary awards for the Top 3 Overall Male and Female finishers for the Full and Half Marathon based on Gun Time. Awards will be available 30 minutes after the 1st place finisher in the Half and Full (which includes a 30 minute protest period).

Overall Top 10:

The Top Overall Top 10 Male and Female Age group winners in each category will receive 50% off the 2024 Boulderthon and a physical award. Top 10 Awards are based on Gun Time. Awards will be available 30 minutes after the 1st place finisher in the Half and Full (which includes a 30 minute protest period).

Age Group Awards:

The Top 3 Male and Female Age group winners in each category will receive 50% off the 2024 Boulderthon and a physical award. Age group awards are based on on Chip Time.

Previous Boulderthon Editions

The winners of the 2022 edition of Boulderthon are below:

2022 Boulderthon Marathon Winner - Female: Marie Morrier - Denver, CO - 3:02:59 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon Marathon Winner - Male: Kurt Roeser - Longmont, CO - 2:31:51 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon Half Marathon Winner - Female: Neely Spence Gracey - Lafayette, CO - 1:16:09 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon Half Marathon Winner - Male: Alejandro Martinez Ambrosio - Boulder, CO - 1:08:20 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon 10k Winner - Female: Jessica Scheriff - Denver, CO - 35:18 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon 10k Winner - Male: Carson Hume - Fort Collins, CO - 31:39 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon 5k Winner - Female: Shelley McDonald - Loveland, CO - 18:37 (Course Record)

2022 Boulderthon 5k Winner - Male: Koy Cunningham - Colorado Springs, CO - 16:17 (Course Record)

Full results are available on our Results & Photos page.

The Boulderthon Marathon & Half Marathon Course Records are below:

  • Full Marathon Female: Marie Morrier - Denver, CO - 3:02:59 (2022)

  • Full Marathon Male: Kurt Roeser - Longmont, CO - 2:31:51 (2022)

  • Half Marathon Female: Neely Spence Gracey - Lafayette, CO - 1:16:09 (2022)

  • Half Marathon Male: Alejandro Martinez Ambrosio - Boulder, CO - 1:08:20 (2022)

  • 10k Female: Jessica Scheriff - Denver, CO - 35:18 (2022)

  • 10k Male: Carson Hume - Fort Collins, CO - 31:39 (2022)

  • 5k- Female: Shelley McDonald - Loveland, CO - 18:37 (2022)

  • 5k - Male: Koy Cunningham - Colorado Springs, CO - 16:17 (2022)

Please email us at support@boulderthon.org. We are happy to help :)