There are numerous sporting events in Boulder each year, from CU Buffs football games to Ironman triathlons.
The annual Bolder Boulder is one of the most popular 10K races in the world, with over 50,000 runners and 100,000 spectators. The race is held each year on Memorial Day weekend.
Although many world-class athletes compete in the race, most participants are simply there to have fun. Performers and cheerleaders line the race course, creating a party atmosphere for all involved.
If you do plan to attend, know that much of central Boulder shuts down for half a day to accommodate the race. It can be very difficult to navigate the traffic, so make sure to check parking locations, shuttles, and schedules.
The University of Colorado's Buffalos are part of the Pac-12 Conference, and play USC, UCLA, and other top teams. Folsom Field at 2400 Colorado Avenue (map) seats over 50,000 spectators. Recent NFL players from the CU program include Nate Solder, Mason Crosby, Laviska Shenault, and Colorado favorite Phillip Lindsay. The stadium has also hosted concerts with the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and the Dave Matthews Band.
Kids will enjoy seeing CU's mascot Ralphie VI (nicknamed "Ember"), a buffalo that takes the field. You can even get up-close with Ralphie three hours before games, at Ralphie's Corral (Duane Field, just across from the stadium.) At 7:00 pm the night before games, the CU Marching Band leads the "Pearl Street Stampede" down the Pearl Street Mall.
Every summer, Boulder hosts a 70.3 Ironman Triathlon. The race starts and finishes at the Boulder Reservoir at 5565 51st Street (map). There are many other full-distance and sprint triathlons throughout the year in the Boulder area.
Up in the mountains above Boulder, the Triple Bypass is a popular high-altitude bike event. Starting in Evergreen, the 110 mile course winds through Juniper, Loveland, and Vail passes. The event is a charity ride that has raised over $3 million over the years.
Way out in the western part of Colorado is the Ouray Ice Festival. Held each January, the Ice Fest is one of the most popular ice climbing events in North America.
VisitingBoulder.com is edited by Dan Cavicchio, a local author. All write-ups are done by local residents. No compensation was provided by any business featured on this site.
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