Outdoor News and Events
OUTTAKES: On The Road
By Stephen and Susann Paige
Jun 1, 2005, 06:19

Not only do we set up shop every year at the Bolder Boulder, but we love to run the race. The second largest 10K run in the country has something for all types. But it’s the race’s unique vibe that makes it special.

The first time we ran it, we were relegated to the “MM” wave, 39 starts behind the top qualifiers. This was the price we paid for late registration. We were two runners in a wave consisting of mostly walkers. We zigged and zagged our way through the crowd, knowing that many of the racers in the “A” wave had already finished. But what a thrill it was. Live music along the course (including Elvis impersonators), runners in togas chugging beers every kilometer, an army of enthusiastic volunteers armed with orange slices, bagel chunks and garden hoses and a skydiver stuck in a tree all added to the carnival atmosphere.

The last half mile is a short, steep hill leading into the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field. We emerged into the stadium, where the cheers of 10,000 spectators urged us into a sprint. It’s easy to forget the pain when your image is projected on the Jumbo-tron. So this is what Joan Benoit felt. Somebody pass me the flag! Where are my roses?