How to Register for the COLDERBolder 5K

Updated

Public registration for the COLDERBolder 5K opens October 1st, and you register online in advance — there is no race day registration, and the event sells out every year. If you ran a previous COLDERBolder or BOLDERBoulder, watch your email: you'll receive an invitation to register before the public window opens. If you sign up and then can't make it, you can roll your registration to next year for $30.

Who can register, and when

There are two paths into the race:

  • Invitation by email — If you finished a previous COLDERBolder or the BOLDERBoulder, you'll be invited to join by email. This applies to the 13 invitational races, which are organized by pace.
  • Public registration — Opens October 1st for everyone else, including the Open Race and Walking Wave.

The event is held on a Saturday, Dec. 5th, on the CU campus. Because it sells out annually, registering early is the practical choice rather than a preference.

Step-by-step registration

  1. Check your email first (if you're a past participant). A prior COLDERBolder or BOLDERBoulder finish puts an invitation in your inbox. Don't wait for the public window if you have one.
  2. Go to bolderboulder.com and choose your race type. Your options are the 13 invitational races (pace-based), the Open Race, the Walking Wave, or a Virtual Race.
  3. Pick the right category for you:
    • Invitational races — for those whose qualifying finish places them in a pace group.
    • Open Race — for anyone who doesn't qualify for an invitational race or wants a more casual day, including running alongside friends or family.
    • Walking Wave — a festive stroll through CU campus; not a race, but all participants receive a medal.
    • Virtual Race — for those who can't attend in person.
  4. Complete the $66 package registration online. The package includes an official COLDERBolder shirt and winter beanie, a race medal (after completing your 5K), an official bib with RFID timing tag, and access to the Holiday Finish Fest (burritos, doughnuts, coffee, hot cocoa, and more).
  5. Confirm your registration. There are no hidden fees, and no race day sign-up — so your online confirmation is your entry.

What the $66 package includes

Item Included
Official COLDERBolder Shirt & Winter Beanie Yes
Race Medal (after completing your 5K) Yes
Official Bib with RFID Timing Tag Yes
Holiday Finish Fest (Burritos, Doughnuts, Coffee, Hot Cocoa & More) Yes
Virtual registration option Available

Key things to know before you register

  • No race day registration. If you show up without registering online, you won't be able to enter.
  • It sells out every year. Registering early is the only reliable way in.
  • Can't make it? You can roll your registration to next year for $30.
  • Pace-based fairness in invitational races. You only run with people your speed — for example, if you ran the BOLDERBoulder in 52 minutes, your race includes only those who finished between 52:00 and 53:59. Everyone earns a medal, but the top 3 finishers in each race earn a special Cold Medal.

Common questions

Do I need an invitation to register? Only for the 13 invitational races. If you ran a previous COLDERBolder or BOLDERBoulder, you'll be invited by email. Otherwise, use the Open Race, Walking Wave, or Virtual Race through public registration starting October 1st.

What if I register and then can't attend? Roll your registration to the following year for $30.

Is there a virtual option? Yes — virtual registration is available for those who can't make it in person.