Financial Stability
Long-term financial stability is essential to delivering a first-class BOLDERBoulder experience. We are committed to transparency around the costs associated with staging our event.
One of the reasons we were named “America’s Best All-Time 10k” is because of our absolute commitment to quality. That commitment coupled with the sheer scale of the event, raises unique costs that are highlighted below.
What does it cost to stage the BB10K?
The following is a breakdown of our expenses by major categories, including some of our unique expenses (rounded):
- University of Colorado requires that the BOLDERBoulder cover the floor of the stadium to protect the turf: $73,900
- Scaffolding, traffic devices, fencing and course equipment: $122,800
- Portable toilets, solid waste, recycling: $47,100
- Prize Money and Pro Athlete related expenses including drug testing: $115,192
- Military Base Races in foreign lands including special BOLDERBoulder military shirt, special bib number and shipping: $10,100
- Results, timing, scoring, $62,300
| Staff Expenses: Full-time (including benefits), seasonal and temporary staffing, independent contractors | $807,239 | 30% |
| Administrative / Overhead: bank and credit card fees, business and event insurance, license and permits, postage, professional fees, office and warehouse rent, utilities | $410,885 | 15% |
| Logistics / Course: Equipment, rental trucks and equipment, supplies, vendors | $358,075 | 13% |
| Printed Materials / Packet Costs: Official Race Gear, bib numbers, banners, signage, event printing | $336,723 | 12% |
| Marketing / Awards: Advertising, design, marketing, digital and social media, production and video | $297,273 | 11% |
| Facilities: | $152,613 | 6% |
| Law Enforcement and Security: | $127,556 | 5% |
| Pro Race: Prize money, US and international travel, drug testing, hotel, meals, ground transportation | $115,192 | 4% |
| Charities / Donations: | $108,477 | 4% |
| Total | $2,714,034 | 100% |
Economic Impact
The BOLDERBoulder, named America’s All-Time Best 10K by Runner’s World, is one of the ten largest road races in the United States and in the top 20 largest road races in the world. Historically, the race attracts over tens of thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, and draws some of the fastest professional athletes from around the world.
The annual in-person race starts at 30th and Walnut and 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 100,000 spectators throughout the course.
The 2024 BOLDERBoulder is just under three months away with registration numbers trending higher than in recent years. While race organizers are busy preparing for this year’s race, so too are the local businesses who are frequented by race participants and their families during the Memorial Day weekend.
A recent report conducted by Visit Boulder, the official Destination Marketing organization for the City of Boulder, estimated that the 2023 race brought in around $18.8 million in direct and indirect impact to the area. According to Visit Boulder, the BOLDERBoulder is the key event that marks the beginning of the busy summer season for visitors and supports over 9,500 jobs with the strongest impact in lodging, food/beverage, and retail spending.
The report projected 80,088 people came to Boulder for the race. This number included race participants, family members of those participating, spectators, and event staff.
The report indicated that $3.9 million was spent on overnight accommodations; with over 20,000 overnight stays in the area. To add to that, $3.3 million was spent at area restaurants and an additional $2.7 million in retail spending was attributed to those in town for the event.
“We have also known the race has benefited the local economy and are thrilled to now understand the exact impact the race has for the local businesses,” said Cliff Bosley, race director.
In 2023, 40,044 people registered to compete in the race with 35,007 finishers. It was the largest number pf participants since 2019.
The 2024 BOLDERBoulder will be held on Monday, May 27.
From Denver7: Boulder City Leaders Preparing for 2024 BOLDERBoulder Race
GuaRUNtee
All registrations are automatically backed by the Bolder GuaRUNtee. It means if you sign up for the BOLDERBoulder and don’t participate, we will roll your registration over to next year’s BOLDERBoulder for only $30 (half-price). And, you won’t need an excuse from your mom or a note from your doc. Learn More >
TranspaRUNcy
When you register for the BOLDERBoulder, you won’t find any credit card fees or processing fees, plus we offer free packet pickup. We know how you want to be treated. We’re different than other events. Learn more >
