More than 10,000 runners will lace up their shoes on Sunday and head to Boulder for this year’s Boulderthon.

The event, which includes a children’s race, a 5K run, a 10K run, and a half and full marathon, will feature several Olympic athletes and will result in numerous road closures in the region.

Races begin and end at 19th Street and Pearl Street. Pearl Street Mall will host pre- and post-race events throughout the weekend. Pearl Street is closed on Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. from 15th to 55th Streets. Mapleton Avenue is closed from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m

Many roads will be closed at various times throughout the marathon route, which runs northeast to Niwot Road and 95th Street. For a complete list and map, visit the Boulderthon website boulderthon.org.

The event will feature a star-studded elite race featuring five Olympians. Boulder-born bronze medalist Emma Coburn is a prominent local competitor. The 5K prize pool is the largest in the country at $20,000. Additionally, a $10,000 bonus will be awarded if someone breaks the Colorado 5K record of 13:31.27 for men and 15:44.20 for women.

The number of runners in this race, now in its fourth year, has almost doubled each year. This year there will be racers from 50 states and 18 countries. Race founder Phil Dumontet believes the rapid growth is due in part to community support that allows him to offer the world-class amenities of nationally known races. The Boulderthon is supported by more than 750 volunteers.

“The magic of Boulderthon, in my opinion, is that it has the big city amenities that you would expect from a world-class marathon,” Dumontet said, “but we have the small town charm and boutique feel.”

While the racing is scheduled for Sunday, there will be events at Pearl Street Mall throughout the weekend. Accordingly, 14th Street from Walnut Street to Spruce Street was closed Friday and will remain closed until 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

An exhibition featuring 70 different vendors will be held at Pearl Street Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A keynote panel featuring some of the Olympic runners is also planned at 2 p.m. The event will take place in front of the Boulder County Courthouse at the mall. A full list of events can be found on the Boulderthon website.

Registrations for all races were reportedly filled by midday on Friday. Weather conditions should be favorable for runners. After an overnight low of 56 degrees, the National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 88 degrees with sunny skies on Sunday.

Charles Garabedian, whose first marathon was the inaugural Boulderthon and who has run every year since, has been looking forward to the race for months. He will compete in the 5K on Sundays and has returned every year because of the inclusivity the different distances offer.

“No matter your skill level, there is something for everyone,” Garabedian said.

Originally published: September 27, 2024 at 2:47 p.m