What’s The Fortitude Wave Start?
It’s pretty simple actually. Instead of everyone taking off at once, we divide everyone into 26 waves. They’re organized by people’s expected pace so that everyone can run with people their own speed. Waves start with the fastest runners, then go to slower runners, then joggers, then walkers.
You ONLY need proof of a qualifying time if you want to be in a wave faster than 68 minutes. Qualifying times for each of those waves can be downloaded below.
Race Day Schedule
Preliminary Wave Launch Schedule
| Wave | Name | Go Time |
| A | Qualify | 8:00:00 |
| AA | Qualify | 8:01:00 |
| AB | Qualify | 8:02:00 |
| B | Qualify | 8:03:00 |
| BA | Qualify | 8:04:00 |
| BB | Qualify | 8:05:30 |
| C | Qualify | 8:06:20 |
| CA | Qualify | 8:07:40 |
| CB | Qualify | 8:09:00 |
| D | Q 62-68 | 8:10:40 |
| E | Run | 8:12:40 |
| EA | Run | 8:14:40 |
| F | Run | 8:16:30 |
| M | Jog | 8:18:20 |
| N | Jog | 8:20:10 |
| P | Jog | 8:21:30 |
| R | Jog iH | 8:23:00 |
| S | CSU | 8:23:00 |
| W | Walk | 8:25:00 |
How do I enter a qualified wave if I want to?
To join a wave faster than 68 minutes you need to provide proof of qualification during the registration process. Other waves you can just join.
- Use your 2021 BOLDER on the RUN 10K time:
Anything faster than 1:08:00 gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use your 2021 Heart of Bold 5K time:
Anything faster than 32:38 minutes gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use your 2020 or 2019 ColderBOLDER 5K time:
Anything faster than 32:38 minutes gets you in a qualified wave. - Use your 2020 BOLDiTUDE 10K time:
Anything faster than 1:08:00 gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use your 2020 VirtuALL 10K time:
Anything faster than 1:08:00 gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use your 2019 BOLDERBoulder 10K time:
Anything faster than 1:08:00 gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use your 2019 FORTitude 10K time:
Anything 1:08:00 or faster gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. - Use any STRAVA run, 5k or longer.
You will need a “best-effort” 5K of 32:38 or faster. View details on how to set up your “race”. Paste in a link to that activity in the field provided. - Use other races from 2019, 2020 or 2021:
Any timed race between 5K and a marathon can get you in a qualified wave. Check the Equivalent Times Chart to see how your race time translates to a 10K time. See the last question below for a list of suggested qualifier races, “What other races can be used to qualify?” Paste in a link to those race results in the field provided.
Do all waves require qualifying? No!
The FORTitude 10K is open to everyone. We want you to run, jog, or walk at your speed. Only the first 11 waves require a qualification time — these are designed and reserved for runners who will finish faster than 68 minutes. Use your 2019 BOLDERBoulder, FORTitude or ColderBOLDER time, or provide any other race results since 2019 and we’ll place you in the fastest wave possible. Also you can use a Strava run 5k or longer!
It’s important to register according to your anticipated pace. All other waves are open to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How do I pick which wave to be in?
When you register, you just pick which type of wave you think you belong in: qualify, run, jog, or walk. We’ll automatically put you in a wave that is right for you.
Can I start with friends or family? Yes!
To be in the same start wave as someone else, register everyone online or in person at the same time. In the appropriate field, enter their name. Qualifying rules still apply, and everyone in your group will be placed based upon the slowest person’s wave time.
Can I change waves once I register? Yes.
If you want to change waves or run in a qualified wave, we can make that happen, assuming there are still bibs available in the wave you want. For $10, bib changes can be done at the solutions tent on race day or through our race office. To request a bib change, please email [email protected]. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to move up to a faster wave on race day.
FORTitude Qualifying Times
You can check out the FORTitude qualifying times here.
Photo by John Wark
Join us in one of our special waves!
