The Boulder Backroads Marathon was born in 1999, when local athlete and entrepreneur Lesley Kinder decided that Boulder needed a marathon. It immediately became a destination event and attracted 1500 runners in its first year. The race was known, not only for its scenic route and dependable on-course support, but also for its memorable post-race party. Bagpipers led runners to the start line of the original Backroads Marathon and a rowdy crowd cheered them in to the finish.

We have revived the spirit of the original race. The double-loop course is spectator-friendly and not quite as hilly as the original. The festive mood and runner-centered approach remain. The race expo will include some of your favorite local and national brands; the post-race party, headlined by Avery Brewing Company, and including food from Niwot Market, Savory Cuisines and more, will allow runners to refuel and relax with friends, family and fellow-athletes. Local companies Skratch Labs and V-Fuel provide on-course nutrition.

The Course

Location: Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N 51st St. Boulder, Colorado 80301

The 2018 Boulder Backroads Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k are USATF-sanctioned road races held north of Boulder, framed by the majestic Colorado Front Range foothills. Marathon and Half marathon runners begin at the Boulder Reservoir and travel out through the rural countryside of Boulder County on mostly dirt roads and quiet lanes on a loop course. You'll pass farms, cottonwood groves, prairie dogs and ponds, returning to the reservoir along the Northern Colorado canal and across the north and south dams. Half marathoners finish alongside the shores of the Reservoir, while marathoners continue past the finish to run the loop again. The half marathon finish also serves as the hand-off zone for relay racers. Runners receive support from over 100 volunteers staffing seven aid stations along the course.

Parking

Parking will be available at the Boulder Reservoir. Please arrive early and carpool when possible.

10k Map

2018 Race Schedule

Fri, Sept 7th

• last day to pre-register on raceroster.com

Sat, Sept 8th

• 12:00PM - 6:00PM: Packet pickup at Avery Brewery in Gunbarrel, CO... 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301

Sun, Sept 9th

• 5:30AM – 6:45AM: Packet pick-up and registration at the Boulder Reservoir

• 7:15AM: Half Marathon and Marathon races start

• 7:45AM: 10k start

• 10:00AM: Half Marathon awards

• 12:00PM: Marathon awards

Race Registration

• Marathon: $100
• Half Marathon: $75
• 10k: $45

Race Information

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be at Avery Brewery in Gunbarrel on Sept 8th from 12:00 pM – 6:00 PM. You can, also, pick up your packet on race day from 5:30am to 6:45am at the start/finish area.

T-Shirts/Schwag

All entrants will get a tech race shirt from Brooks. In addition, we will have give-aways at the race with every participant receiving a free pair of Darn Tough socks at the expo. Medals go to all finishers in the marathon and half marathon.

Drop Bags

Participants will be able to deposit their gear at the drop bag tent from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM on race day. Please make sure you attach your baggage tag your bag. Baggage tags are located on your race bibs. Runners just look for the Running tent near the start!

Accomodations

A special discounted rate is available at Marriot Courtyard Boulder.

Safety

Aid stations, race officials, runner number verification points and course marshals will be located on both courses. For runners unable to complete the race, sag vehicles are available to return them to the start. Emergency radio communications, portable toilets, and Band-Aids will be available at all aid stations on the course. A medical tent will be set up at the finish line, staffed by AMR Medical. Two AMR EMT bikes will also be on course, to provide on-site aid if needed.

Not Allowed

Non-registered runners, pacers/escorts, bicycles, inline skates, dogs, or wheelchairs are not allowed on the marathon course. Dogs and glass are also not allowed at the reservoir.

Aid Stations

Official aid stations, placed approximately every 2 miles beginning at Mile 2 on the course, will be stocked with Eldorado Artesian Spring water, and Skratch Labs Sports Drink. Aid stations at mile 6/19, 9/22 and 13 will also have V-Fuel Endurance gels, pretzels, bananas, chips, and soda.  We're also excited to have HotShot at the mile 6/19 aid station to help prevent and do away with cramping.

Time Limit

There will be a 4 hour time limit for all half marathoners. 6 hour time limit for marathon

Awards

All finishers of the Marathon and Half Marathon will receive a commemorative  2018 medal..

Half Marathon: 
Overall M/F 1st: $100, 2nd: $75, 3rd: $50;
Overall Masters M/F $50

Marathon:
Overall M/F 1st: $125, 2nd: $100, 3rd: $75;
Overall Masters M/F $75

10k: M/F 1st: $50 overall

Results

Results will be posted to this site within 24hrs of the race.

Thanks to Five star timing for posting results to the 2017 Boulder Backroads Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10k. click here 

Pacing

 Pace groups provided by Beast Pacing as follows: 

Marathon
3:40 Jason Castro
3:55 Johnny Ramos
4:10 Andrew Burch
4:25 Eric Castellano
4:40 Ed Steinkamp
5:00 Laurie Williams
5:30 Bob Strauss

Half Marathon
1:40 Katie Kissane
1:50 Dave Braunlich
2:00 Christine Rodriguez
2:15 Mary Abbott
2:30 Melissa Wood
2:45 Ruth Clymor
3:00 Christina Gille

a huge thanks to our sponsors