ColderBOLDER 5K
Boulder, Colorado, United States
Dec 5, 2026 - Saturday
5k
Race Information
ColderBOLDER 5K (Boulder, CO) is a festive winter road race held on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder in early December. Conceived as the “polar opposite” to the famed BOLDERBoulder 10K, this 5K event draws a mix of elite and recreational runners, then wraps up with a lively holiday-themed finish.
The event is by invitation only and is actually 14 races altogether. The first 13 races are for people who received a qualifying time from the last BOLDERBoulder or ColderBOLDER--grouped by recent race times. Each runner is grouped with others who are about the same speed, so everyone has a shot at winning. The 14th race is an Open Race with no qualifying standards. Enjoy the winter festivities as fast or as slow as you’d like! Every participant earns a finisher medal; the top six in each invitational wave collect a special “Cold Medal.”
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👍 Run Series Pick of the Month: Vacation Races
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😄 Why We Like This Run
✅ Epic scenery
✅ The "Race-Cation" lifestyle
✅ Sustainable strides
Why settle for a finisher’s medal and a banana in a parking lot when you could run amongst the red rock canyons of Zion National Park, through the majestic landscapes bordering Glacier National Park, or in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park?
Vacation Races aren't just about the miles; they’re about the memories. Curate world-class running experiences in the most breathtaking destinations in the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra-runner or a first-time 5Ker, "race day" will be the centerpiece of your next great adventure.
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Race Facts
Race Size: 5,000 - 10,000
Course Type: Road
Boston Qualifier: No
Kids Run: No
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