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Click to view Bethj1030's profile Rookie 2 posts since
Jun 5, 2002

Dec 17, 2006 9:40 PM

Boulder, CO Running

Hi Any Boulder runners out there? I may be moving to Boulder in the spring and I'm looking for some feedback on running groups and places to run? Any recommendations? Also, any general feedback on Boulder would be great. What do you love about it? What do you not like, etc..Any and all input is appreciated as I've only visited briefly before. Thanks!
Click to view DFMAR50's profile Pro 103 posts since
Sep 30, 2005
1. Dec 19, 2006 1:29 PM in response to: Bethj1030
I don't live in Boulder, but pass through there quite often. Seems like there are a lot of serious runners there and I've seen at least a few of them post on CR.

Of course Boulder is pretty well know for the 10 K Bolder Boulder race on Memorial Day weekend. They usually get around 40 to 50,000 for that.

I'm no expert, but seems like there should be a lot of good running venues around there. The weather is usually pretty favorable for running. This link:

http://www.boulder-running.com/wtr/[/URL" target="_blank">

may be worth taking a look at.

Hope this helps some.
Click to view Steve K043's profile Pro 91 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Dec 19, 2006 1:38 PM in response to: Bethj1030
Don't live there now, but did for about 17 years. There are many, many places to run. Close to the city is the trail that starts at Chautauqua Park and goes to Eldorado Springs - round trip somewhere around 15 miles (if memory serves me well). Another I did frequently started at Eben G Fine Park (West end of Boulder) and run up Flagstaff Mtn, sometimes going on to Green Mtn or coming down the backside to Boulder Canyon.

Boulder is where I got hooked on trail running.

Enjoy!

Steve K

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My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">
Click to view SummerOutside's profile Rookie 4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
3. Dec 28, 2006 1:15 AM in response to: Bethj1030
I will be moving to Boulder in August. I have been there once (and will be there again in March) and the general outdoorsy mentality of the whole state leads me to believe there is no shortage of running activity in Boulder. I'm excited to get there myself!
Click to view cgerber's profile Pro 195 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Jan 16, 2007 6:26 PM in response to: Bethj1030
Hi Beth,

I live in Boulder, and it's a great place to be a runner! There are hundreds of miles of trails and tons of paved running paths. Our climate is mostly great for running (except this recent bout of nasty snow)... we have about 300+ days of sun a year. There's several groups and runs scheduled every day of the week, many days having several to choose from.

I currently run with friends and with the Boulder Trail Runners. They are a fun group and range from sort of slow (me) to world class athletes. They have an assortment of runs for differing abilities and everyone I've met so far is laid back and friendly.

The Boulder Road Runners are supposed to be a good group too, although I've not run with them. I know they have a casual run every Sunday morning. There's also various runs from Fleet Feet (running store).

The Daily Camera (newspaper) has a section called Get Out! with many of the runs listed. I've got a lot of links on my website you may find useful:
http://www.chrisgerber.com/colorado/links.cgi[/URL" target="_blank">

There are TONS of good trails to recommend. Drop me an email if you want any additional info. Welcome to Boulder!
Click to view sparkage's profile Pro 76 posts since
Oct 30, 2004
5. Jan 16, 2007 11:20 PM in response to: Bethj1030
Not from Boulder, but not far out in Fort Collins. One of my favorite runs in the Boulder area is Hall Ranch Loop just outside of Lyons, which by the way is a cool little town if your looking for somewhere a little more affordable than Boulder, with all the outdoor fun and games.

The Hall Ranch Loop gives you a climb of about 1500 feet with great views at the top. Probably about 8 miles up and down.

Check out this write up and then the links to a bunch of other great trails in the area: http://www.trailcentral.com/tom/index.php?key=2[/URL" target="_blank">
Click to view gatorberlin's profile Rookie 4 posts since
Oct 27, 2007
6. May 1, 2007 3:12 PM in response to: Bethj1030
I'm glad to see this post! I will be moving to the Denver or Fort Collins area in July and am looking for trails and running groups.
To keep me motivated during the whole moving process I already signed up for 3 half marathons. A little crazy, but without a goal race I lose motivation.
Thanks again for everyone's input.
Click to view trailchk5's profile Rookie 2 posts since
May 2, 2007
7. May 2, 2007 3:52 AM in response to: Bethj1030
I live in Broomfield, which is about 20 mins drive to the NCAR trailhead (in Boulder. From there, I hop on the Mesa trail over to Chataqua Park (and more trails), Bear Peak, Green Mountain, Flagstaff, Eldorado Canyon and Flatirons Vista Trailhead off Hwy 93. You have many options and many miles of trails, depending on how far and which way you want to go, whether you want milder trails or more technical trails with elevation gain.

I have noticed that, over the years, many trail runners (in Boulder, particularly) have gotten more serious and a lot less friendly... almost as if they have to size you up rather than say hello. I still smile and nod or say hello anyway... even if I am out of breath. Also, I try to stick to the trails during the week since they are less busy. It makes everyone happier, even though I go out of my way to be polite and give right-of-way. Overall, the culture of Boulder has changed over the years - from a casual, sort of bohemian society to a more upper-class. The city is beautiful, with the backdrop of the Flatirons, and has a wonderful energy.

You can find races (from 6 miles to 100 miles) on active.com, runuphillracing.com, or in Trail Runner magazine (or TR mag online), for trail races along the front range or in any of the mountain towns.

You'll love living in Colorado and the many options of trails and races! Make sure you check out the Jefferson County Open Space trails west of Denver/Golden.

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TrailChick5
Click to view runagain's profile Amateur 10 posts since
Jan 20, 2007
9. May 10, 2007 7:40 PM in response to: Bethj1030
Also near Broomfield/Arvada is the Big Dry Creek Trail,
10 miles of firm gravel/dirt with lots of little side trails weaving
through the City of Westminster from Broomfield. Lots of places to park and start your run. My favorite place to park
is near La Mars doughnuts on Wadworth Blvd. After a long
run it's the perfect place to carbo load on a sunday morning.
Click to view Apple17's profile Legend 303 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
10. May 17, 2007 12:40 PM in response to: Bethj1030
Beth,

Not sure where you are coming from but I live on the East Coast and visit cousins in Boulder about every 2 years. The best part of running is doing it on vacation.

Warning - if you are not use to the altitude, it can be a killer. The elevation severly effected me and I ended up not being able to do my normal miles and walked most of the time.

I felt so lame !!!! My Cousins are huge outdoor fans and I couldn't keep up.