Financial Stability
Long-term financial stability is essential to delivering a first-class BOLDERBoulder experience. We are committed to transparency around the costs associated with staging our event.
One of the reasons we were named “America’s Best All-Time 10k” is because of our absolute commitment to quality. That commitment coupled with the sheer scale of the event, raises unique costs that are highlighted below.
What does it cost to stage the BB10K?
The following is a breakdown of our expenses by major categories, including some of our unique expenses (rounded):
- University of Colorado requires that the BOLDERBoulder cover the floor of the stadium to protect the turf: $79,930
- Scaffolding, traffic devices, fencing and course equipment: $134,144
- Portable toilets, solid waste, recycling: $53,644
- Prize Money and Pro Athlete related expenses including drug testing: $162,218
- Military Base Races in foreign lands including special BOLDERBoulder military shirt, special bib number and shipping: $10,146
- Results, timing, scoring, $67,946
| Staff Expenses: Full-time (including benefits), seasonal and temporary staffing, independent contractors | $913,707 | 29% |
| Administrative / Overhead: bank and credit card fees, business and event insurance, license and permits, postage, professional fees, office and warehouse rent, utilities | $632,471 | 20% |
| Logistics / Course: Equipment, rental trucks and equipment, supplies, vendors | $392,487 | 12% |
| Marketing / Awards: Advertising, design, marketing, digital and social media, production and video | $350,744 | 11% |
| Printed Materials / Packet Costs: Official Race Gear, bib numbers, banners, signage, event printing | $315,755 | 10% |
| Facilities: | $186,452 | 6% |
| Pro Race: Prize money, US and international travel, drug testing, hotel, meals, ground transportation | $162.218 | 5% |
| Charities / Donations: | $123,180 | 4% |
| Law Enforcement and Security: | $118,959 | 4% |
| Total | $3,216,993 | 100% |
Economic Impact
The BOLDERBoulder, named “America’s All-Time Best 10K” by Runner’s World, is the 4th largest road races in the United States and in the Top 10 largest road races in the world. Historically, the event attracts over tens of thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, and draws some of the fastest professional athletes from around the world.
The annual in-person event starts at 30th and Walnut and winds through Boulder neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner. The BOLDERBoulder finishes at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field and attracts over 100,000 spectators throughout the course.
The 2024 report conducted by Visit Boulder, the official Destination Marketing organization for the City of Boulder, estimated that the 2024 event brought $23 million in direct and indirect impact to the Boulder area economy. According to Visit Boulder, the BOLDERBoulder is the key event that marks the beginning of the busy summer season for visitors and supports over 9,500 jobs with the strongest impact in lodging, food/beverage, and retail spending.
The report projected 87,322 people came to Boulder for the event. This number included participants, family members of those participating, spectators, and event staff.
The report indicated that $6.1 million was spent on overnight accommodations; with over 24,000 overnight stays in the area. To add to that, $2.6 million was spent at area restaurants and an additional $2.9 million in retail spending was attributed to those in town for the event.
“BOLDERBoulder has always been about community,” said Cliff Bosley, race director. “We are so pleased to not only have an impact on those that participate in and watch the race but also to the local businesses that are able to benefit from the race each year.”
In 2024, 48,318 people registered to participate in the community tradition that resulted in 41,398 finishers.
The 2025 BOLDERBoulder will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.
From Denver7: Boulder City Leaders Preparing for 2024 BOLDERBoulder Race
GuaRUNtee
All registrations are automatically backed by the Bolder GuaRUNtee. It means if you sign up for the BOLDERBoulder and don’t participate, we will roll your registration over to next year’s BOLDERBoulder for only $30 (half-price). And, you won’t need an excuse from your mom or a note from your doc. Learn More >
TranspaRUNcy
When you register for the BOLDERBoulder, you won’t find any credit card fees or processing fees, plus we offer free packet pickup. We know how you want to be treated. We’re different than other events. Learn more >
