WHAT’S THE WAVE START?

It’s pretty simple actually. Instead of one big start with all 50,000+ people taking off at once, we divide everyone into about 100 waves. They’re organized by people’s expected pace so that everyone can run with people their own speed. Waves start with the fastest runners, then go to slower runners, then joggers, then walkers.

Do all waves require qualifying? No!

The BOLDERBoulder is open to everyone. Only the first 31 waves require qualification — meaning people in those waves provide proof of their running pace. All other waves are open to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualified Waves are only for people who finish faster than 68 minutes.

How do I pick what wave to be in?

When you register you pick the type of “Participant Category” you think you belong in. You’ll automatically be put in a wave that is right for you or based on your qualifying time. Learn more about the Wave Categories on the right.

Can I change waves once I register? Yes.

If you want to change waves or run in a qualified wave, we can make that happen, assuming there are still bibs available in the wave you want. For $10, bib changes can be done at the solutions tent on race day or through our race office. To request a bib change, please email us. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to move up to a faster wave on race day.

Can I start with friends or family? Yes.

We can help you start with your family or friends; the rest of the day is up to you. If you want to be in the same start wave, register everyone online or in person at the same time. Enter the names of those you want to run with in the appropriate field. Qualifying rules still apply, and everyone in your group will be placed in the slowest person’s wave (it helps if everyone chooses the same participant type).

If your buddies are already registered, download our BB Runner Tracker app to see what wave they are in. Download on itunes or google play store. For information about the app, click here.

How do I enter a qualified wave? Five ways.

During registration, you will be asked to provide proof of qualification in a drop down selection.

Use last year’s BOLDERBoulder 10K time: Anything 1:08:00 or faster gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace.
Use last year’s ColderBOLDER 5K time: Anyone who finished faster than 32:38 minutes automatically gets in a qualified wave. Check your results.
Use last year’s FORTitude 10K time: Anything 1:08:00 or faster gets you in the perfect qualified wave for your pace. Check your results.
Use any STRAVA run, 5k or longer. You will need a “best-effort” 5K of 32 minutes, 38 seconds or faster. View details on how to set up your “race”. Paste in a link to that activity in the field provided.
Use other races: Any timed race between two miles and a marathon completed within one year of the upcoming BOLDERBoulder gets you in a qualified wave. Check the Equivalent Times Chart to see how your race time translates to a 10K time. See the last question below for a list of suggested qualifier races, “What other races can be used to qualify?”. Paste in a link to those race results in the field provided.

Can I submit my race to be a qualifier? Yes!

Any timed road race over 2 miles that posts results online can apply to be a BOLDERBoulder qualifier race.

As a qualifier race, you agree to promote your event as a qualifier for the BOLDERBoulder in at least two social media posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All qualifier races will be promoted on BOLDERBoulder social pages two weeks before your event.

Submit your race here and we will contact you if your race has been selected.

What other races can be used to qualify?

Any timed race over two miles completed within one year of the upcoming BOLDERBoulder gets you in a qualified wave. Check the Equivalent Times Chart to see how your race time translates to a 10K time. Find a race near you!

Old Man Winter 10K – Feb 9th / Boulder, CO
Highlands Ranch 5k – Feb 23rd / Highlands Ranch, CO
Leap Day 5k -Feb 29th / Thornton, CO
Erin Go Braugh – March 14th / Westminster, CO
Sharin’ O’ the Green 5k – March 14th / Fort Collins, CO
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run 5k/10k – March 15th/ Boulder, CO
Horsetooth Half Marathon 21k – March 19th / Fort Collins, CO
Central Park 5k – March 22nd / Denver, CO
12th Annual Annual Flying Pig 5k – April 5th / Fort Collins, CO
Frank Shorter RACE4Kids’ Health 5k – April 8th / Broomfield, CO
Prairie Dog Half and 10k – April 12th / Lousiville, CO
Aardvark Fun Run 5k – April 25th / Greeley, CO
Endurance Race Series Half Marathon, 10k, 5k – April 25th / Westminster, CO
Mile High Mile & 5k – April 26th / Denver, CO
Run to Remember 5k – April 26th/ Fort Collins, CO
Hope House – May 2nd/ Arvada, CO
Colorado Women’s Classic – May 10th / Westminster, CO
Federal Cup 5k – May 16th / Lakewood, CO
Dash & Dine 5k – May 12th/ Boulder, CO
Frank Shorter Track Classic 5k – May 19th/ Boulder, CO
South Boulder Creek Parkrun 5k – Every Saturday / Boulder, CO

Helpful Info

Start Times
Weekend Schedule
Maps
Safety & Rules

Wave Categories

Qualified Running Waves
Require proof. The first 31 waves are reserved for runners who finish faster than 68 minutes. Proof must be within one year of the upcoming BOLDERBoulder. Check the Equivalent Times Chart to see how your race time equates to a 10K time.

Non-Qualified Running Waves
DO NOT require proof. For anyone planning to finish faster than 70 minutes (11:16 per mile).

Jogging Waves
DO NOT require proof. For anyone planning to jog, and finish between 70 and 90 minutes (11:16 – 14:29 per mile).

Jogging/Walking Waves
DO NOT require proof. For anyone planning to jog more than walk, and finish between 1:30:00 and 1:40:00 (14:29 – 16:06 per mile).

Walking/Jogging Waves
DO NOT require proof. For anyone planning to walk more than jog, and finish between 1:40:00 and 1:50:00 (16:06 – 17:42 per mile).

Walking Waves
DO NOT require proof. For anyone planning to walk, and finish between 1:40:00 and 2:16:20 (17:42 – 22:00 per mile).

Course Cutoff
All participants must pass the intersection of Folsom and Arapahoe by 11:27am, and finish by 11:45am to stay ahead of the Pro Race. For the last wave, this works out to a 2:16:40 finish time and a 22:00 pace.