ColderBOLDER 5K
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ColderBOLDER 5K
The ColderBOLDER 5K started in 2003 as part of the race series and is the sister race to the BOLDERBoulder. The event is held in Boulder, Colorado, and runs through the University of Colorado campus on a course described as fast. The finish is inside the university field house, where event festivities take place. The race is locally owned and operated and has sold out in recent years.
The ColderBOLDER uses an invite only race format with 14 individual races plus a Walking Wave. The first 13 races are for runners who earned a qualifying time at the previous BOLDERBoulder or ColderBOLDER; these races group participants with similar previous finish times so competitors race against peers with comparable speeds. For example, a runner who finished the BOLDERBoulder in 52 minutes would be grouped with people who finished between 52 and 54 minutes. The top six finishers in each of the first 13 races receive Cold Medals, for a total of 84 medalists.
The 14th race is an Open Race with no qualifying standard. The Walking Wave is open to anyone and is a festive noncompetitive stroll; walking participants receive a Finisher's Medal but are not eligible for placement Cold Medals.
The 2026 ColderBOLDER is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
