An estimated 50,000 from across the country will be in Boulder Monday to participate in the annual 10K race. Casting a shadow on everything from race security to the event’s annual Memorial Day tribute is April’s Boston Marathon bombing.
The most visible changes will be a stepped-up police presence and bag size limits at the start and end of the race.
So far, the changes don’t seem to be a deterrent for would-be racers. Inside the BolderBOULDER store at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, first-time runner Callie Doherty says she’s wanted to run the race for years and finally got Memorial Day off from her job. The Boston bombings had little weight in her decision making process.
“I think there’s a lot of support from the community. Definitely people will be on their toes watching for things that are suspicious. But I think it’s going to be a really fun time and I’m not concerned about it,” said Doherty.
Bev Buchler was there to pick up her race day T-shirt and packet materials. She’s run the race every year since it started. After 34 years she says there’s no way she was changing her plans
"Definitely people will be on their toes watching for things that are suspicious. But I think it's going to be a really fun time and I'm not concerned about it."
“I guess there wouldn’t be anything that would change my mind about doing it,” said Buchler.
Here’s what else you should expect for the BolderBOUDLER. Race Director Cliff Bosley says this year’s advice to racers can be crystallized into the following:
Pack light: participants and spectators are asked to refrain from bringing backpacks or other sizable bags to the race, but instead to downsize to smaller bags or fanny packs. Any unattended bags at the start, along the course or at Folsom Field will be subject to confiscation.
Be aware: the public is asked to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or notifying nearby law enforcement officers.
Follow mobile locker and stadium rules: for spectators bringing items for gear check at the mobile locker or into Folsom Field, only soft-sided bags smaller than 12x12x12 (such as purses or small backpacks) will be allowed. A full list of permitted and prohibited items can be found at http://bit.ly/FolsomFieldRules
Increased presence of law enforcement and emergency services professionals: there will be more than the usual number of law enforcement personnel and emergency responders along the course and at the finish in Folsom Field.
Folsom Field Finish Will Be Different
Probably the most visible change along the race course will be at the finish line inside Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus. CU Boulder Police Commander Robert Axmacher says police will follow similar procedures to those prescribed for some university sporting events.
“It may look different for someone who’s previously run the BolderBOULDER,” said Bosley. “However I think it will look very familiar to someone who’s been to a football game.”
The change could mean longer lines. But CU senior Jay Bacca—who’s attended many football games at CU—says the bag checks aren’t a big deal.
“It makes sense obviously with what happened. So better be safe than sorry,” said Bacca.
