How COLD Medals Work at the COLDERBolder 5K

Updated

Every finisher at the COLDERBolder 5K earns a medal, but only the top three finishers in each of the 13 invitational races earn a special Cold Medal. The distinction matters because the invitational races are organized by pace, so you compete only against runners who finished at a similar time — which the event frames as giving everyone "a fair shot at racing glory."

Who gets which medal

Race type Medal outcome
13 Invitational Races Everyone earns a medal; top 3 in each race earn a special Cold Medal
Open Race Everyone earns a medal (no Cold Medal placement described)
Walking Wave Everyone earns a medal; explicitly not a race, so no 1st/2nd/3rd Cold Medals
Virtual Race Medal included in the $66 package, awarded after completing your 5K

How the invitational races are structured

The first 13 invitational races are organized by pace, and entry is by invitation rather than open signup. You'll be invited by email if you ran a previous COLDERBolder or BOLDERBoulder. As the event puts it, if you ran the BOLDERBoulder in 52 minutes, your race only includes people who finished between 52:00 and 53:59.

That pace-bracketing is the mechanism behind the medal structure: because you run only against people your speed, a top-three finish is a realistic target rather than a long shot against the full field.

If you don't qualify for an invitational race

Two options exist:

  • Open Race — for those who don't qualify for an invitational race or want a more casual day. Run at your own pace, and you can participate alongside friends or family.
  • Walking Wave — a festive stroll through CU campus. It is not a race, so there are no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place Cold Medals, but all participants receive a medal.

What the $66 package includes

  • Official COLDERBolder Shirt & Winter Beanie
  • Race Medal (after completing your 5K)
  • Official COLDERBolder Bib with RFID Timing Tag
  • Holiday Finish Fest: Burritos, Doughnuts, Coffee, Hot Cocoa and More

Virtual registration is also available at the same package level.

Practical notes before you register

  • No race day registration. The COLDERBolder sells out every year, so signing up in advance is the only route in.
  • Public registration opens October 1st. Previous COLDERBolder or BOLDERBoulder runners receive email invitations for the invitational races.
  • Can't make it? If you sign up and can't participate, you can roll your registration to next year for $30.
  • No hidden fees, per the event.

The race takes place Saturday, Dec. 5th on CU Campus.