Boulderthon Celebrates Records with 56% Participation Growth and New State Record in 5K

October 1, 2025

Colorado’s premier Fall running event welcomed over 15,600 runners to the City of Boulder, up from 10,000 last year

BOULDER, Colo. (October 1, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The fifth annual Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, drew record-breaking participation on Sunday, Sept. 28, as over 15,600 runners from across the nation and the world took to Boulder’s streets for Colorado’s premier fall racing event. This 56% growth over last year’s total of 10,000 marks a banner year for the event. Plus, the race awarded a $10,000 prize to the top 5K women’s finisher, Everlyn Kemboi, who broke the Colorado state 5K record time. Featuring new marathon and half marathon courses alongside innovative sustainability measures, the multi-distance event solidified its place as Colorado’s largest fall running event and one of the nation’s fastest-growing races. All results are now available online.

Top marathoners set the standard on the new 26.2-mile course. Milton Rotich took first in the men’s division with a time of 2:21. He was followed by Braden Nicholson in 2:22:14 and Habtamu Cheney in 2:25:31. In the women’s division, Liv Taber took the top spot in 2:59:20. Following Taber were Devon Sutton who clocked a 3:05:05 finish and Andrea Aguilar Codina with a time of 3:07:11.

A new course was also debuted for the half marathon distance. Emad Bashir-Mohammed, the men’s half marathon champion and first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:06:31. The women’s half marathon course was led by Priscah Cherono, who finished with a time of 1:16:48.

The men’s 10K division was led by Brendan Fraser, who finished the 6.2-mile course with a time of 32:13. Emma Lopez led the women’s division with a time of 38:35.

The men’s 5K division was led by Yemane Haileselassie, who finished with a time of 13:46. He won the 5K last year in 13:58, shaving off 12 seconds. Everlyn Kemboi led the women’s division with her record-breaking time of 15:40 and took home the special incentive prize for the new top time. The Boulderthon BCH Heart to Heart 5K is the flattest, fastest road 5K in the state. To attract top athletes to our world-class destination, Boulderthon offers the aforementioned $10,000 bonus to the top participant in the male and female fields who breaks a Colorado state record for the distance.

“We are thrilled by the record-breaking turnout this year,” said Alexa Squillaro, Boulderthon Event Director. “Seeing thousands of runners from across the nation and the world come together, enjoy our new courses and celebrate their accomplishments reminds us how lucky we are to have such a supportive community and so many dedicated participants helping make Boulderthon a success.”

Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, took participants on an unforgettable tour of Boulder through its marathon, half marathon, 10K presented by Cheribundi, Heart to Heart 5K presented by Boulder Community Health and Boulder Country Day School Kids Run. Marathon and half marathon runners followed newly designed routes that reduced overall elevation gain while showcasing Boulder’s iconic landscapes, before finishing on the historic Pearl Street Mall. The 10K course ran through Boulder’s scenic streets, leading participants downtown for the Pearl Street finish, while the 5K offered a fast, flat and fully accessible course for wheelchair athletes and duo runners.

This year, Boulderthon highlighted its ongoing commitment to community engagement and sustainability. Hemp bibs were introduced for 10K runners, and reusable silicone cups were provided at hydration stations in partnership with Hiccup and the City of Boulder, reducing single-use waste. The VIP Experience, presented by lululemon, offered special perks and exclusive access for over 300 participants. Frontier Airlines sponsored the “Race Together, Fly Together” sweepstakes, awarding $40,000 in flight credits to run clubs nationwide, encouraging runners from across the country to experience the event. The event also welcomed a local sponsor for its Kids Fun Run, Boulder Country Day School, emphasizing Boulderthon’s dedication to youth participation and community involvement. With these initiatives and record participation, Boulderthon delivered a successful and memorable weekend for runners, families and the Boulder community alike.

For more information on Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, visit www.boulderthon.org, and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT BOULDERTHON® PRESENTED BY PUMA

Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, was created in 2021 by avid New York Road Runner, Phil Dumontet, with the goal of bringing a world-class marathon to one of the great running hubs of the country. It is a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ), USATF Sanctioned Event, measured by a Level A USATF Course Measurer, representing the highest level of certification for a marathon race. The race offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and children’s races. For more information, visit www.boulderthon.org.