QUOTE OF THE DAY

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. ” – Arthur Ashe

     The Bolder Boulder was remarkable, as always, and extremely well organized.  It is basically a big party through the neighborhoods of Boulder, CO, followed by an elite race with runners from all over the world and a very solemn Memorial Day ceremony.

     The Boulderites really get involved.  There are slip n slides set out on lawns, sprinklers for the overheated runners to run through, one family set up their 4 foot pool in their driveway for runners (no diving) and bands every few blocks.  There are belly dancers,  (most amusingly of a very mature age), bag-pipers, and residents handing out snacks. There are runners in  all types of costumes...can you imagine running the entire race dressed as a huge t-rex or a big can of beer? Also, there was lots of red, white, and blue, and military troops.

  They divide the 54000 runners into multiple start corrals, so the race continues for almost 6 hours. There are thousands of walkers, and multi-generational families, as well. I got to see a 12 month old toddle across her first Bolder Boulder finish line after multiple falls as she rounded the track inside Folsom Field at CU. 

    There was a swearing-in ceremony for enlistees in all branches of service.  A Medal of Honor ceremony.  A 95ish year old Battle of the Bulge survivor played the Star Spangled Banner on his trumpet for the 3rd year followed by a multi-jet flyover.  My absolute favorite are the sky-divers with flags from each branch of service, POWs, and the US flag which end the day.