BOULDER, Colo. – The BOLDERBoulder 10K announced today that Todd Saliman, president of the University of Colorado, will serve as the Official Starter for the 2026 BOLDERBoulder on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
As Official Starter, Saliman will welcome participants to the start line and fire the starter’s pistol 96 times; sending each wave off with their own ceremonial playing of the Call to the Post. More than 50,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in this year’s event, which finishes inside CU’s Folsom Field and culminates with the annual Memorial Day Tribute.
Saliman became the 24th president of the University of Colorado in 2021. A lifelong Coloradan and proud CU alumnus, he has focused his leadership on strengthening community engagement, expanding access to higher education, and building partnerships that benefit communities across Colorado. Prior to becoming president, Saliman served as CU’s senior vice president for strategy, government relations and chief financial officer.
I’m excited and honored to serve as the Official Starter for the BOLDERBoulder this year,” Saliman said. My family and I have participated in this longstanding Colorado tradition numerous times, and being part of the race this year is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 150th anniversaries of our great state and the University of Colorado. CU is proud to be part of the unique BOLDERBoulder experience year after year.– Todd Saliman, University of Colorado president
Since 1981, the partnership between the BOLDERBoulder and the University of Colorado has become one of the defining elements of the event. Over 1.5 million finishers have experienced the race’s iconic finish inside Folsom Field beneath the Flatirons.
Todd Saliman has been an incredible partner and advocate for both the University of Colorado and the Boulder community. The relationship between the BOLDERBoulder and CU Boulder has helped create an experience unlike any other road race in the world, and we are honored to have President Saliman serve as this year’s Official Starter – Cliff Bosley, BOLDERBoulder race director
The 2026 BOLDERBoulder will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The event annually attracts participants from all 50 states and over two dozen countries and has been named “America’s All-Time Best 10K” by Runner’s World. In 2025, the race was the third largest running event in the United States and the largest 10K in the world. For more information visit www.bolderboulder.com.