[Runners compete in the "Oh Yes You Can" 10k race] |
Bolder Boulder
With its inspirational message "Oh Yes
You Can," this 10K road race is run every year on Memorial Day.
Started in 1979, it emerged from a meeting between champion
marathoner Frank Shorter and Steve Bosley, President of the
National Bank of Boulder, and was devised as a celebration of
health and fitness, a premier road race whose appeal to
participants -- citizen runners -- would be all-encompassing. The
10,000 meter race distance was chosen because it afforded the most
challenge to the competitive as well as the recreational runner. To
allow runners to be less impeded by slower runners on clogged
streets, to allow them to get "up to pace," and to maintain an even
flow of runners, the concept of the "wave start" was developed.
Each wave, or group, of runners -- up to about 900 -- were their
own race. In 1998, in keeping with the theme "Oh Yes You Can," the
wheelchair race was added, the first wheelchair race to be
televised in its entirety. In addition, a walkers' race was
instituted, encouraging those whose health would not allow running,
to participate. A tradition of many years includes Marine Corps
units jogging in formation (wearing red Marine Corps t-shirts and
combat boots), to honor fallen American soldiers.
Twenty years ago, Bolder Boulder's partnership with
the University of Colorado began. Use of the facilities,
particularly the stadium, for the finish area was crucial. Bach
Field House, the Dal Ward Center for the race day brunch, numerous
conference rooms, and the recreation center were also made
available. The race has grown from 2,700 to 42,500 entrants, making
it the fourth largest road race in the world and the largest
tribute to American veterans on Memorial Day in the U.S.
Project documentation comprises 13 8 x 10
photographs, 15 color slides, a 30-page written report, a list of
Bolder Boulder champions -- in the men's, women's, and wheelchair
divisions; a list of runners who have participated in every race
since its inception; newspaper and magazine articles; a poster;
race programs; promotional materials; and a press kit.
Originally submitted by: Wayne Allard, Senator.
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