Boulder one of two new cities to earn special municipal designation from the Road Runners Club of America

BOULDER, Colo. — Last week, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) announced that Boulder, Colo. was one of two new cities that have been added to their list of Runner Friendly Communities®. Boulder’s nomination for the selective designation was spearheaded by Boulderthon, the fastest growing running event in Colorado.

The RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community committee selects these cities by reviewing the following four components: 

1. Community Infrastructure
2. Community Support
3. Local Government Support
4. Additional Support

The goal of the RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner-friendly communities. Runner Friendly Communities can increase the quality of life; improve physical activity for residents; and provide for increased economic impact for the community.

Cities must meet some or all of the above criteria in order to be considered applicable and to be awarded the title of a Runner Friendly Community by the RRCA. This isn’t the first time Boulder has received an accolade for its welcoming community, as it was also named the top place to live in America in back-to-back years by US News & World Report from 2020-2022. 

“Communities play a vital role in making running safe and accessible for everyone,” said Jean Knaack, RRCA CEO.  “The references from city and state government leaders for this round of Runner Friendly Communities demonstrates the impact of positive relationships between runners and local officials.”

“I am so thrilled to hear the great news of Boulder being named a Runner Friendly City by RRCA – myself and those who collaborated on the nomination felt it was long overdue for our iconic running city,” said Phil Dumontet, founder and race director of Boulderthon. “As an avid runner in Boulder and founder of Boulderthon, I have seen the incredible things that this city has to offer for runners, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving city to receive this honor! 

This news comes just over a month before Colorado’s second-largest running series, Boulderthon®, takes place in the city of Boulder on Oct. 8. In its second annual edition, Boulderthon drew runners from all 50 states as well as 15 countries, as the signature marathon showcased the world-class city of Boulder. After nearly tripling in size last year and selling out, Boulderthon has instituted a new 8,000 runner cap. In 2023, Active.com named Boulderthon one of the Top 5 Best Half Marathons in the United States.

For more information on Boulderthon, visit www.boulderthon.org.

For more information on RRCA, visit https://www.rrca.org/.

About Boulderthon®   

Boulderthon® 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 series. The race offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and children’s races. For more information, visit www.boulderthon.org.

About The Road Runners Club of America

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1958. The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being and competition. Their vision is Empowering Everyone to Run.

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