TURAS GIRLS

In 1979 the first ever BOLDERBoulder was held in Boulder, Colorado and would become one of the biggest 10k road races in the world.

In 1991 my mom ran her first BOLDERBoulder and became part of the history of the race. With the exception of the last three years, at least one member of my family has run the race since 1991.

The race hosts an average of 50,000 participants and roughly 100,000 spectators. It begins in the middle of Boulder at 7am with the first waves and runs through the streets of Boulder, culminating at Folsom Field right up against the Flatirons. The waves run from A-Z and are separated based on time. As it’s a day of remembrance for our veterans, each branch of the military has their own wave in the race.

There are usually several bands playing throughout the 6.2 miles, including Elvis. People stand outside of their houses and businesses handing (or throwing) out anything from bacon and Doritos to cupcakes and beer. There are slip and slides, baby pools, and sprinklers along the course, rain or shine.

After all the waves of runners and walkers have filtered into Folsom Field, the Elite runners race their hearts out in front of the thousands of spectators sitting in the stands. It’s amazing to watch these athletes finish and a great kickoff to the ceremonies that proceed.

Since the race is on Memorial Day, it’s ultimate purpose is to commemorate all who have died serving in our armed forces. Standing in the stands of Folsom Field with the Rocky Mountains in the background as 5 parashooters fall from the sky to Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American”, each carrying the flag of a branch of the armed forces and the last an American flag is a poignant opening to the ceremony. The color guard then presents the flag, performs a 21-gun salute, and the Star Spangled Banner is sung which signals the Blue Angel flyover. The brave men and women who have served in past wars are honored and their stories are shared through a moving presentation.

Filtering out of Folsom Field with 100,000 people isn’t the best part of the day but overall, it’s a day to remember and definitely worth doing if you love road races like I do.

I have a long line of brave men and women in my family who have served in the military and am so proud of their service. I am one of the lucky ones that have had all of these loved ones come home, but there are many families that lose their loved ones or have them come home injured and unable to continue their service.

There are numerous organizations offering support to veterans and their families. Please check out the links below and see how you can help those who have chosen to serve and protect our country.

Wounded Warrior Project

K9’s for Warriors

Hope For The Warriors