The BolderBoulder has been voted one of the top ten 10ks to run and for great reasons! From signing up to being dropped off to my car post race, this race moves VERY smoothly.

1. Registration: Begins in January and starts at $50. Registration cost varies on the type of Helly Hansen shirt (or shirts) you want. Prices go up every month and a half leading up to the race, giving you plenty of time to pay early bird pricing.

2. Packet Pick-Up: Last year one of the local running store franchise, Runner's Roost, hosted the packet pick-up. During the registration process, you were able to pick the store closest to you OR you could pay to have your packet sent to you.

3. Communication: Prior, during and post race I received a number of emails from the race directors giving great details about day of events, parking, questions, etc.

4. Parking: Public transportation! The local RTD line that travels Hwy 36 from Denver to Boulder has select buses that shuttle athletes from the RTD stop to the STARTING line and from the FINISH line back home from 5am until 2ish in the afternoon. It cost me $5. Since the first wave begins at 7am, you would have to arrive really early to find parking near the start or anywhere in town as most of downtown is shut down until mid-afternoon (the last wave goes off around 11am).

4. Waves: BolderBoulder is for EVERYONE! You do not have to qualify for this race unless you wish to be in one of the first 31 waves; last year that was any time 72 minutes and under. The first wave goes off at 7am and then every minute and a half after.

5. The course: FUN! FUN! FUN! Boulder is a big little town. The course starts near one of the main shopping centers in town, takes you through some hilly neighborhoods, down the infamous Pearl Street and ends on Folsom Field (UC Boulder Campus). This is a race the ENTIRE town gets involved in. As early as 7am, there are house parties/barbecues going on. There are slip n slides, bands, belly dancers, jell-o shots and bacon available along the course (if you so wish to partake). Having lived and trained in and around Boulder for this race, I didn't find the course too challenging but be prepared for some rolling hills (and the really steep one).

6. After party: The BolderBoulder is an all day affair. The "expo" is basically after the race outside Folsom stadium. With your registration you get a snack pack and a beer/soda and are able to sit in the stadium and watch your fellow athletes cross the finish line. The elites are the last wave of the day, making the morning more exciting.

I think the BolderBoulder should be on everyone's bucket list. If you haven't heard of it, be sure to look it up!