Official portrait of CU Boulder Chancellor Phillip P. DiStefano photographed on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado)
BOLDERBoulder, America’s All-Time Best 10K, today announced that retiring University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano will be the official starter for the 2024 race.
“We are honored to have one of the University of Colorado’s most accomplished chancellors as this year’s official starter,” said BolderBOULDER race director, Cliff Bosley. “The race has a rich history with CU and our relationship with Philip and the university is part of the magic of the BOLDERBoulder. He has been a champion of the event for the past 15 years.”
DiStefano has served as the university’s chancellor since 2009 and has been a member of the CU staff since 1974 when he was hired as an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the School of Education. He has seen the university from nearly every perspective as a parent, donor, professor, dean, provost and chancellor.
“Few traditions unite CU and the community like the BolderBoulder, and I’m proud of the continuing partnership that allows thousands of runners to finish at Folsom Field every year,” said Chancellor Phil DiStefano. “I’m excited to serve as this year’s honorary starter and to celebrate all this race means to the participants and across our community.”
Dr. DiStefano is a lifelong educator. Born and raised in the diverse working-class steel and coal town of Steubenville, Ohio, he began his education career as a high school English teacher near his hometown. A first-generation college student, he knows first-hand the benefit of education and opportunity. He earned his doctorate in humanities education from The Ohio State University.
As chancellor, Dr. DiStefano has worked closely with students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors as well as government, industry, business and community leaders in extending CU Boulder’s legacy as a preeminent national comprehensive research university.
A resident of Boulder for more than 40 years, DiStefano has been active in local, regional and national organizations, including leadership roles within the Association of American Universities, the NCAA and the Pac-12 athletic conference. He serves on the Boulder Community Health Board of Directors.
Although he is retiring from his position as chancellor he will remain a vital member of the CU staff. He intends to return to the faculty in the School of Education, where he first began his CU Boulder career in 1974. Starting in fall 2024, his primary duties will include serving as the senior executive director at the Center for Leadership and the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership. He will continue to engage with major donors and highly engaged alumni across the university landscape. Also, he will support the transition of the next CU Boulder chancellor.
DiStefano joins an esteemed group of race official starters over the years including; Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter, Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Ed McCaffery, famed columnist Rick Reilly, and other CU legends like Bruce Benson, Tad Boyle, Mike Bohn, Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett.
About BOLDERBoulder
The BOLDERBoulder, named America’s All-Time Best 10K by Runner’s World, is the sixth largest running race in the United States. The race attracts over 40,000 runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, and draws professional athletes from around the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing. In 2023 the race generated $18.8 million in economic impact to the greater Boulder area. The race winds through Boulder neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner. The race finishes at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field and attracts over 80,000 runners and spectators. The 44th annual BOLDERBoulder will be held on Memorial Day, May 27th, 2024. For more information please visit: www.bolderboulder.com
About the CU System
The University of Colorado plays a profound role in the lives of individuals, businesses and communities throughout Colorado, across the country and around the world. More than a half million alumni are leaders in business, science, the arts, health care and their communities, and they’re joined by some 15,000 more each year. In Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver, all four campuses are all for Colorado. For more information about the CU system, and to access campus resources, go to www.cu.edu
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